Overcoming Bias from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

What Is Bias?

Bias is a word we hear on a regular basis. We hear it at work when we are asked to attend training sessions. We hear it on the news when we learn about instances of prejudice and insensitivity. However, bias is not a simple word. Bias takes on several different forms and can have several different effects. In this module, we will explore the meaning of the word bias. We will learn that it has both a psychological and social meaning. We will also learn that bias is a normal part of life. The module concludes with an activity that allows learners to explore their own bias and reflect on how it influences the decision making process.

9 to 5 Bias

For many people, the workplace is like a second home. After all, we spend a significant amount of our day and week at our places of business. For these reasons, everyone wants to have a harmonious workplace. However, bias can upset an office environment and have a negative effect on morale, productivity, and overall well-being. In this module, we will read articles that describe workplace bias. We will also explore strategies for eliminating it. The module ends with a chance for you to think about how you would implement changes for a bias free workplace.

Bias 360

In the previous modules, we explored the definition of bias and how it affects the workplace. Now, it is time to take a more comprehensive approach to overcoming bias. To do so, we will start to look more closely at ourselves and our own personal relationship to bias. Whether you are the person being impacted or the person projecting a bias, self awareness is the key to effective bias management. In this module, you will learn how to measure your own bias. You will also learn strategies for overcoming personal bias and how self improvement translates to happier workplaces and communities.

Creating a Bias Neutral Work Environment

Overcoming bias should be important to all organizations. Having a bias free environment makes the workplace more fun and more productive. Furthermore, creating a bias neutral environment is simply the right, humane thing to do. Throughout this course, we have learned the meaning of the word bias as well as the different types of bias. We have explored management strategies for workplace bias and personal bias. Now, it is time to put these ideas into action. In our final module, we will focus on applying ideas that eliminate bias. We will focus on effective communication methods and how to measure outcomes so that we know bias initiatives are working properly. This module concludes with a peer reviewed activity in which you will build your own plan for a bias neutral workplace.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores workplace bias, which is often overlooked in bias conversations but can significantly impact work environments

Emphasizes practical strategies for creating a bias-free workplace, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in real-world settings

Examines workplace bias, which can have significant social and financial implications for organizations and individuals

Taught by Kimberly Jones, an expert in organizational bias and discrimination

Helps learners recognize and overcome personal biases, which can contribute to workplace bias

Provides a comprehensive exploration of bias, including workplace bias, which often affects morale, productivity, and job satisfaction

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Overcoming Bias with these activities:

Read 'Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People' by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald

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Delve into the groundbreaking work of Banaji and Greenwald, exploring the nature of implicit bias and its pervasive influence on our thoughts and actions.

View Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People'.
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and reflecting on the key concepts.

Bias Mitigation Discussion Group

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Engage in discussions with peers to gain diverse perspectives on bias and effective strategies for mitigating it.

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Join or form a discussion group with other students.
Discuss different types of bias and their impact.
Share personal experiences and insights on bias.

Create a Workplace Bias Awareness Campaign

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Develop a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate your workplace about bias and its impact. This campaign will help to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

Browse courses on Workplace Bias

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Research different types of bias and their impact on the workplace.
Develop materials for your campaign, such as posters, presentations, and workshops.
Implement your campaign and track its progress.

Five other activities

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Volunteer with a Bias Prevention Organization

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Gain practical experience in addressing bias by volunteering with an organization dedicated to reducing discrimination and fostering inclusion.

Browse courses on Social Justice

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Research bias prevention organizations in your community.
Contact organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Engage in volunteer activities, such as organizing workshops or providing support to individuals affected by bias.

Contribute to Open-Source Projects on Bias Mitigation

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Join the global community of developers working to create tools and resources for reducing bias and promoting inclusion.

Browse courses on Bias Mitigation

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Identify open-source projects related to bias mitigation.
Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to these projects.
Participate in community discussions and support other contributors.

Develop a Bias Mitigation Action Plan for Your Workplace

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Apply your knowledge of bias to develop a comprehensive plan for creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Browse courses on Workplace Bias

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Conduct a workplace bias assessment to identify areas for improvement.
Develop a plan with specific goals, strategies, and timelines for addressing bias.
Present your plan to management and seek their support.

Bias Scenario Exercises

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Put your bias management skills to the test with scenario exercises. These exercises will help you to identify and overcome bias in the workplace and other settings.

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Review the provided bias scenarios.
Analyze the scenarios and identify the types of bias present.
Develop strategies for overcoming the bias and promoting a more inclusive environment.

Bias Reduction Policy for Your Organization

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Demonstrate your understanding of bias reduction strategies by drafting a comprehensive policy for your workplace.

Browse courses on Workplace Bias

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Research best practices for bias reduction.
Develop a policy that outlines the organization's commitment to bias reduction.
Provide examples of specific措施that will be implemented.

Career center

Learners who complete Overcoming Bias will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources for an organization, including recruiting, hiring, training, and development, as well as compensation and benefits. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Human Resources Managers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Human Resources Managers to develop effective strategies for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

A Diversity and Inclusion Manager is responsible for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. This role may also be responsible for developing and leading training programs on diversity and inclusion, as well as for investigating and resolving complaints of discrimination and harassment. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Diversity and Inclusion Managers to develop effective strategies for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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Consultant

A Consultant is responsible for providing advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including diversity and inclusion. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Consultants by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Consultants to develop effective strategies for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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Diversity and Inclusion Officer

A Diversity and Inclusion Officer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of diversity and inclusion for an organization. This role may also be responsible for developing and leading training programs on diversity and inclusion, as well as for investigating and resolving complaints of discrimination and harassment. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Diversity and Inclusion Officers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Diversity and Inclusion Officers to develop effective strategies for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker is responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. This role may also be responsible for providing counseling, case management, and other services. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Social Workers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Social Workers to develop effective strategies for providing support and assistance to individuals and families.

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Psychologist

A Psychologist is responsible for providing psychological services to individuals and groups. This role may also be responsible for conducting research on psychological topics. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Psychologists by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Psychologists to develop effective strategies for providing psychological services to individuals and groups.

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Recruiter

A Recruiter is responsible for finding and attracting qualified candidates for open positions within an organization. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Recruiters by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Recruiters to develop effective strategies for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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Educator

An Educator is responsible for teaching students at all levels, from preschool to college. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Educators by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Educators to develop effective strategies for creating and implementing inclusive classrooms.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer is responsible for representing clients in legal matters and providing them with legal advice. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Lawyers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Lawyers to develop effective strategies for representing clients in a fair and unbiased manner.

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Journalist

A Journalist is responsible for gathering and reporting news and information to the public. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Journalists by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Journalists to develop effective strategies for reporting on sensitive topics in a fair and unbiased manner.

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Politician

A Politician is responsible for representing the interests of their constituents and making decisions on their behalf. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Politicians by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Politicians to develop effective strategies for creating and implementing policies that are fair and just.

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Trainer

A Trainer is responsible for developing and delivering training programs on a variety of topics, including diversity and inclusion. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Trainers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Trainers to develop effective strategies for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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Mediator

A Mediator is responsible for facilitating negotiations and resolving disputes between parties. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Mediators by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Mediators to develop effective strategies for facilitating negotiations and resolving disputes.

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Civil Rights Attorney

A Civil Rights Attorney is responsible for representing clients in cases involving discrimination, harassment, and other civil rights violations. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Civil Rights Attorneys by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Civil Rights Attorneys to develop effective strategies for litigating civil rights cases.

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Diversity and Inclusion Educator

A Diversity and Inclusion Educator is responsible for developing and delivering educational programs on diversity and inclusion. This role may also be responsible for providing training on diversity and inclusion to employees, as well as for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Overcoming Bias course can be helpful for Diversity and Inclusion Educators by providing them with a deeper understanding of the different types of bias and how to overcome them. This course can also help Diversity and Inclusion Educators to develop effective strategies for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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