Drops of Diversity

What is it:

Implicit bias refers to attitudes, beliefs, and/or stereotypes that influence our understanding, decisions, and actions in an unconscious way (Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity website). For example, studies have shown that people frequently associate criminality with black people without even knowing it. Our implicit biases do not necessarily align with our declared beliefs and may even be contrary to the stance we take on issues. These unknown biases may be positive or negative and generally operate outside our awareness. Generally, we are biased in favor of those in our ingroup, but this is not always the case. Implicit bias is widespread and universal and even people who have an obligation to impartiality are prone to it.

What can you do:

A first step may be understanding that you are prone to implicit bias, not because you are necessarily a bad person, but because of learned associations. The next step may involve better understanding stereotypes and unconscious associations and the negative consequences they have on you and others. The good news is that human beings are malleable and new associations can be developed. Knowing that you are prone to implicit bias, you can be more mindful in how you conduct your daily affairs and take steps to be more inclusive.

Organizations can also create policies and procedures that minimize biased decision-making. For example, many orchestras now conduct blind auditions to eliminate bias toward women and minority groups. Blind auditions began after jazz bassist and clinical psychologist, Art Davis, launched a civil rights lawsuit in the 1970s. Some Silicon Valley companies are now also conducting blind hiring to ensure that they evaluate and select candidates using more objective measures.