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Are you an HR professional looking to remove bias from your operations? Are you a business owner or professional looking to improve your decision-making abilities in general, so that you can arrive at logical, objective conclusions? If so, this course is for you.

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Are you an HR professional looking to remove bias from your operations? Are you a business owner or professional looking to improve your decision-making abilities in general, so that you can arrive at logical, objective conclusions? If so, this course is for you.

Diversity and inclusion have become centre-stage considerations for profitable and productive businesses. But beyond the obvious biases, unconscious bias lurks to undermine business decisions and operations. This course provides clear information about various unconscious pitfalls in decision-making, in the context of diversity and inclusion, as well as in other contexts.

The course kicks off by introducing some key terms and the definition of unconscious bias. Over the lectures, we will be discussing how successful businesses have implemented strategies and practices that maintain a healthy and inclusive environment, liberated from unconscious biases, and you'll learn how to apply these solutions in your own organisation. We'll also cover vital topics such as cognitive and internalised biases, while also touching on various methods we can use in order to prevent prejudice and discrimination. We'll then take a closer look at the role bias plays in the decision-making process and how to challenge established perceptions, transforming them into objective and logical approaches.

By the end of the course, you will possess valuable knowledge on how to prevent various forms of bias and you'll be confident and self-assured in your capabilities and skills, while also being ready to implement what you have learnt.

So, if you're looking to establish an inclusive, diverse, and non-discriminatory environment for all - as well as learn to make clear and objective business decisions - enrol today.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to identify and minimise different forms of unconscious bias.
  • How to make more effective and objective decisions.
  • How to eliminate unconscious bias from business decisions.
  • How to apply practical strategies to prevent bias in an organisation.
  • How to assess your organisation's diversity growth and inclusion.
  • The importance of having an inclusive workplace.
  • How deep the dangers of impulsive decisions truly go.
  • How to resolve internalised bias about oneself.

Syllabus

Introduction

This lecture seeks to define the most prominent dangers of unconscious bias. Unconscious bias is unavoidable but able to be mitigated. This lecture shows how we see it every day in places we may not have realised. We'll also delve into contemporary and impending consequences of unconscious bias like poor decision-making and the reliability of the information.

Also explored are the necessity and probable faults of heuristics. Heuristics are the clusters of associations and assumptions we use for immediate decision-making.

Download and complete the What Is Unconscious Bias Worksheet.

Read more

This lecture defines various forms of cognitive bias, how to identify them, and how to avoid them. We'll cover the common source bias, illusory truth, illusory validation, outcome bias, compassion fade and backlash.

Following this, we'll go into the benefits of a more flexible perception and how to foster one. We'll discuss ways to change the routine and try new activities, as well as challenge your own perceptions.

Download the Cognitive Bias And Cognitive Flexibility Worksheet.

This lecture shows how practical applications and strategies in the workplace can keep stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination in check. We'll discuss consistency, transparency, accountability and how to deal with offences. This will include real examples from people involved in bias prevention.

Download the Combatting And Preventing Stereotyping, Prejudice And Discrimination Worksheet.

This lecture goes over methods to create an unbiased hiring process. It helps polish the process with clear goal-setting, collective efforts, structure, and digital tools to get the best candidate for the role, free of biased distractions.

There will also be information from various human resource professionals to elucidate the dangers of biased hiring processes.

Download and complete the Combatting Bias In The Hiring Process Worksheet.

This lecture journeys inward on how people hold unwarranted biases against themselves. We'll discuss how most of us are influenced by imaginary constructs, and we'll illuminate how fictional constructs have influenced every mind since the dawn of society. This lecture will help build awareness, replace internalised bias with valuable metrics of thought, and shed light on how ridiculous perpetuated discrimination is.

Download and complete the Recognising And Combatting Internalised Bias Worksheet.

This lecture dives into cognitive case studies and evidence that illustrate fundamental predicaments with decision-making. We'll see why gut-thinking is dangerous, how unrealistic optimism blinds us, how we have unseen biases that anchor important decisions, and how decision-making has been exposed as unreliable by numerous psychological tests.

Download and complete the Bias in Decision Making Part 1 Worksheet.

This lecture presents broader, more objective approaches to business decisions. These solutions will include clear metrics, a decision model to use, how to use objective data for new information, and how to apply premortem evaluations. These strategies will ensure decisions are made with the most important things considered, negating pitfalls that were discussed in the previous lecture.

Download and complete the Bias In Decision Making Part 2 Worksheet.

This lecture exposes signifiers for the effectiveness of bias prevention in the workplace. It also gives ways to examine the organisation's ongoing efforts against biased practices. We'll discuss the importance of employee turnover, how to audit diversity growth, representing stakeholders, and using internalised bias as a metric.

Download and complete the Measuring The Effectiveness Of Bias Prevention Worksheet.

In this lecture, we will briefly recap what you've learnt throughout the course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical strategies applicable to the workplace, such as creating unbiased hiring processes and auditing diversity growth, which are valuable for HR professionals
Explores the role of heuristics in decision-making, which is relevant for professionals seeking to understand the underlying causes of unconscious bias
Examines cognitive biases such as illusory truth and outcome bias, which are important for professionals to recognize and address in their decision-making processes
Includes downloadable worksheets for each section, which can help learners apply the concepts discussed to their own situations and organizations
Discusses the importance of addressing internalised bias, which is a critical aspect of creating a truly inclusive and equitable workplace
Requires learners to download and complete worksheets, which may require access to a printer and scanner or the ability to edit documents digitally

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Reviews summary

Identify and avoid unconscious bias

According to learners, this course provides a clear and practical introduction to identifying and mitigating unconscious bias. Students found the content to be highly relevant for professional settings, offering actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately. The course structure, including helpful worksheets, was frequently mentioned as a positive aspect aiding understanding and application. While some found the content a bit basic if they had prior D&I training, the general consensus is that it serves as a strong foundation and a valuable refresher for most professionals looking to improve decision-making and foster a more inclusive environment.
Helpful worksheets aid understanding and application.
"The downloadable worksheets were a great addition and helped reinforce the learning points."
"I found completing the worksheets essential for applying the concepts discussed in the lectures."
"The practical exercises in the worksheets made the learning more engaging and effective."
"Using the worksheets helped me think through how to apply the principles in my own context."
Information presented clearly and easy to follow.
"The explanations of complex topics like cognitive bias were very clear and easy to understand."
"The course is well-structured and presented concisely, making it easy to digest the information."
"I found the lectures clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary jargon."
"The instructor did a great job of explaining the concepts in a straightforward manner."
Content is relevant to professional development.
"The course content is highly relevant to anyone working in HR or management roles."
"This material is crucial for anyone looking to improve decision-making processes in business."
"I appreciated how the course focused on the business context of bias and its impact."
"The topics covered, such as cognitive bias and internal bias, are very relevant to understanding ourselves and others in the workplace."
Offers clear, actionable strategies for workplace.
"The strategies provided are practical and easy to implement in a professional setting."
"I found the suggestions on how to combat bias in hiring processes particularly useful and actionable."
"This course gave me concrete tools and strategies I can use immediately at work to address bias."
"The content offers practical tips and real-world examples to help identify and minimize bias in daily operations."
May be too basic for those with prior D&I training.
"While good, the content felt a bit introductory for someone who has already had some diversity and inclusion training."
"If you're already familiar with the basics of unconscious bias, this might be a refresher rather than new material."
"I was hoping for a bit more depth on certain topics, as some sections felt quite superficial."

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 Identify And Avoid Unconscious Bias with these activities:
Review Key Terms: Bias, Prejudice, Discrimination
Solidify your understanding of fundamental concepts before diving into the course material. This will help you grasp the nuances of unconscious bias and its various manifestations.
Browse courses on Unconscious Bias
Show steps
  • Find definitions of bias, prejudice, and discrimination.
  • Compare and contrast the terms.
  • Reflect on personal experiences related to these concepts.
Review 'Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People'
Gain a deeper understanding of the science behind unconscious bias. This book will provide a solid foundation for the course content.
Show steps
  • Read the book 'Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People'.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Reflect on how these biases might affect your own decisions.
Journaling: Reflect on Personal Biases
Increase self-awareness by identifying and reflecting on your own potential biases. This will make you more receptive to the course material and better equipped to apply the concepts.
Show steps
  • Dedicate time to reflect on your own biases.
  • Write about situations where you might have acted on unconscious biases.
  • Analyze the factors that contributed to those biases.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Implicit Association Tests (IATs)
Assess your own implicit biases using the IAT. This will provide valuable insights into your unconscious associations and potential areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Visit the Project Implicit website.
  • Take several IATs related to different biases.
  • Reflect on the results and their implications.
Create a Presentation: Bias in Hiring
Deepen your understanding of bias in hiring practices. This will help you apply the course concepts to a specific area of HR and improve your ability to create unbiased hiring processes.
Show steps
  • Research common biases in hiring.
  • Develop strategies to mitigate these biases.
  • Create a presentation outlining your findings and recommendations.
Design an Unbiased Decision-Making Model
Apply the course concepts to create a practical tool for unbiased decision-making. This will solidify your understanding of the material and provide a valuable resource for your organization.
Show steps
  • Identify key decision-making processes in your organization.
  • Develop a model that incorporates strategies to mitigate bias.
  • Test and refine your model based on feedback.
Review 'So You Want to Talk About Race'
Expand your understanding of systemic biases and their impact on society. This book will provide a broader context for the course material.
Show steps
  • Read the book 'So You Want to Talk About Race'.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Reflect on how these biases might affect your own decisions and actions.

Career center

Learners who complete Identify And Avoid Unconscious Bias will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
A Diversity and Inclusion Manager champions fairness and equity within an organization. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to foster a welcoming environment for individuals of all backgrounds. With the insights gained from this course, a Diversity and Inclusion Manager understands how unconscious biases infiltrate decision-making processes. The course's focus on identifying and mitigating these biases, along with implementing strategies for an inclusive environment, directly aligns with the Manager's responsibilities. The course also helps in assessing an organization's diversity growth and inclusion, which is important for this role. Specifically, the module on combatting bias in the hiring process is particularly valuable.
Business Ethics Officer
A Business Ethics Officer ensures that a company follows its code of conduct. This role may require an advanced degree. With the insights gained from this course, Business Ethics Officer can better understand how unconscious biases infiltrate decision-making processes. The course emphasis on identifying and mitigating these biases, along with implementing strategies for an inclusive environment, has direct alignment to the ethics officer's need. They may use the module on creating an unbiased hiring process and understanding internal biases. A Business Ethics Officer may use the knowledge gleaned from this course to better train staff.
Recruiter
The Recruiter identifies, interviews, and screens candidates to fill open positions within an organization. This role requires a keen eye for talent and the ability to make objective hiring decisions. This course helps the Recruiter create a more equitable and unbiased hiring process. The emphasis on eliminating unconscious bias from business decisions and applying practical strategies to prevent bias offers valuable resources. The recruiter can use the module on creating an unbiased hiring process to attract and select the best candidates, regardless of background.
Human Resources Manager
The Human Resources Manager oversees an organization's talent, ensuring fair and consistent policies and practices. This role requires strong awareness of unconscious biases that can impact hiring, promotions, and employee relations. This course can help the Human Resources Manager create a more objective and equitable workplace. The course's emphasis on identifying and minimizing unconscious biases, preventing workplace prejudice and discrimination, and understanding internal bias directly supports the manager's responsibilities. The module on creating an unbiased hiring process and measuring the effectiveness of bias prevention are very helpful.
Ombudsman
An Ombudsman investigates and resolves complaints or grievances within an organization or community. This role demands impartiality, fairness, and the ability to identify systemic issues. This course helps the Ombudsman recognize and address unconscious biases that may influence their investigations and recommendations. The focus on making more effective and objective decisions, as well as eliminating unconscious bias from business decisions, is highly relevant. The Ombudsman can apply these skills to ensure fair and just outcomes.
Social Worker
A Social Worker provides support and assistance to individuals and families facing various challenges. This role requires empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to advocate for clients' needs. This course helps the Social Worker recognize and address unconscious biases that may influence their interactions with clients. By understanding the dangers of impulsive decisions and internal bias, the Social Worker can provide more effective and equitable support. The emphasis on practical strategies for bias prevention can assist in navigating complex situations.
Training and Development Specialist
A Training and Development Specialist enhances employee skills and knowledge through targeted programs. This role can use the information in this course to design and deliver training on diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias. The course helps the Training and Development Specialist understand how unconscious biases can impact workplace interactions and decision-making. By learning to identify and combat these biases, the specialist can create training modules that promote a more inclusive and objective work environment. The modules on recognizing and combatting internalized bias and practical strategies for bias prevention are particularly helpful.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant advises organizations on improving their performance and efficiency. This role often involves assessing organizational culture and identifying areas for improvement, including diversity and inclusion. This course helps the Management Consultant diagnose issues arising from unconscious bias and recommend strategies for a more inclusive work environment. The course's focus on business decisions and audits, as well as measuring the effectiveness of bias prevention, can provide valuable insights for this consultant. The consultant may find the module on creating an unbiased hiring process helpful.
Internal Auditor
An Internal Auditor reviews and assesses an organization's internal controls, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. This role requires objectivity and the ability to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. This course helps the Internal Auditor recognize and address unconscious biases that may influence their assessments. The focus on making more effective and objective decisions, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of bias prevention, is highly relevant. The Internal Auditor can apply these insights to improve the organization's overall governance and risk management.
Mediator
A Mediator helps resolve disputes between individuals or groups, often in the workplace. This role demands impartiality and the ability to identify underlying biases that may be contributing to the conflict. This course helps the Mediator to recognize and address unconscious biases that can influence perceptions and behaviors. By understanding the dangers of impulsive decisions and learning to challenge established perceptions, the mediator can facilitate more objective and fair resolutions. The course's emphasis on cognitive biases and flexibility can also improve a mediator's ability to see multiple perspectives.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages an organization's communication with the public, promoting a positive image and addressing any concerns. This role requires sensitivity to cultural nuances and the ability to create inclusive messaging. This course helps the Public Relations Specialist recognize and avoid unconscious biases in their communication strategies. By understanding the dangers of stereotypes and prejudice, the specialist can craft more effective and authentic messages. The emphasis on creating an inclusive environment can guide the specialist in representing the organization fairly and equitably.
Project Manager
A Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of specific projects. This role requires effective decision-making and the ability to manage diverse teams. This course helps the Project Manager make more objective decisions and foster a more inclusive team environment. The course emphasis on eliminating unconscious bias from business decisions and applying practical strategies to prevent bias offers valuable insights. The module on ways to combat bias in the workplace may also improve team dynamics.
Compliance Officer
A Compliance Officer ensures an organization adheres to laws and regulations, including those related to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. This role requires identifying and addressing potential compliance risks associated with biased practices. This course may help the Compliance Officer to recognize and address unconscious biases that could lead to non-compliance. The course's focus on minimizing various forms of unconscious bias, applying strategies to prevent bias in an organization, and understanding the importance of an inclusive workplace is generally beneficial. The module on measuring the effectiveness of bias prevention may be particularly relevant.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst examines data using statistical techniques to draw conclusions and provide reports. Though the Data Analyst may focus on information, understanding where bias may arise is important for this role. This course helps the Data Analyst discover where prejudice and discrimination may arise in their own analysis and decision making. The Data Analyst may improve their work by seeing how the recognition of internal biases, in addition to strategies for bias prevention, can lead to better outcomes. The module on overcoming cognitive bias may be relevant to this role.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. This role involves collecting and analyzing data to understand consumer behavior and trends. This course may help Market Research Analyst identify and mitigate unconscious biases in their research methods and interpretations. The course emphasis on recognizing cognitive biases can improve the objectivity of data analysis and prevent skewed conclusions. The analyst can better consider diverse perspectives and ensure findings are representative of the target market.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Identify And Avoid Unconscious Bias.
Provides a comprehensive overview of implicit biases and how they affect our perceptions and actions. It valuable resource for understanding the psychological underpinnings of unconscious bias. It offers practical strategies for mitigating the effects of bias in various contexts. This book is commonly used in academic settings and by professionals seeking to improve their awareness and decision-making.
Provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and discussing race in America. It valuable resource for developing a more nuanced understanding of systemic biases and their impact. It offers practical advice on how to engage in productive conversations about race and promote inclusivity. This book is particularly helpful for those seeking to address internalised biases and promote diversity and inclusion in their organizations.

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