Savoir-Agir@Work

An unconscious bias is a quick and often erroneous judgment based on limited facts and our own experiences. This judgment may give individuals and groups an undeserved advantage or disadvantage in the workplace. Prejudices can be about just about any aspect, not just about gender, skin colour or age. They may relate to a person’s communication style or hobbies.

An unconscious bias is not intentional, it is part of the lens through which we see the world. It is the fruit of the life experience of individuals, and no one is immune to it.

Everyone has implicit or unconscious biases. They appear when our brain has to deal with great amounts of information.

Stereotypes and prejudices are often considered to be the same thing, but they influence our behaviour differently.

Stereotype (Conscious bias)
A false or generalized conception of a group of people that results in a conscious categorization of each member of that group, regardless of individual differences. Consciously biased individuals act intentionally by developing beliefs and stereotypes about a group of people with similar characteristics. (for example, women are emotional)

Prejudice (Unconscious bias)
An inclination or preference formed without reasonable justification that may prevent the judgment from being balanced or impartial. This type of bias is unconscious. The unconscious biases of each are different depending on their own socialization and exposure to diversity. Unconscious bias can affect an organization’s culture, team dynamics and conflict resolution. (for example, Asians are smart)