Bias in the Workplace and Society

Bias in the Workplace and Society looks at the causes and management of the biases that underpin all behavior inclusive of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping that can occur in the workplace and in everyday contexts. It considers how such biases are developed in relation to societal and global issues and explores the manifestations of bias that are illustrated across a variety of situations. The book is based on the premise that everyone is biased and there is no such thing as an unbiased person. We cannot eliminate bias, but we can manage it.

Grounded in the latest research, the book focuses on the impact of biases as they are manifested in everyday life. The first three chapters look at the reality of bias, how it develops, and how it is then reinforced by four forces – politics, business, religion, and social media. From this point it moves to explore the impact of bias across ten different areas, and, for each, it encourages discussion and debate as to the reality of impact. It asks the reader to consider the possibility that they are personally impacted by unconscious and conscious biases.

The final two chapters then draw everything together, challenging the reader to realistically assess the reality of both unconscious and conscious biases in their life before moving to provide guidelines as to how biases can be managed. The point is made that behavioural change as a result of this self-examination is optional – it is a personal decision.

This book is suitable for all persons concerned about the impact of bias and, particularly, students of management, leadership, HRM, diversity and decision making.

Douglas G. Long was born in New Zealand but has lived in Australia for most of his adult life. Since 2012 he has taught in the School of Management and Governance at the University of New South Wales Business School in Sydney.