Course Description
This workshop explores how unconscious bias shapes decision-making, communication, and workplace culture in public and private sector organizations. Participants will learn the difference between preferences, stereotypes, and implicit bias, and examine their real-world impacts through research and interactive activities. The session offers practical tools to recognize and reduce bias, address microaggressions, and strengthen cultural awareness. At the end, participants will be equipped with strategies to build more fairness, trust, and inclusion at work.
Principles
- Defining bias
- Stereotypes
- Cognitive biases
- Bias in the workplace
- Microaggressions
- Reducing bias
- Communication skills
Syllabus
- Introduction & Framing – Why fairness matters at work; the gap between intentions and outcomes
- Understanding Unconscious Bias – Defining bias vs. preference; origins of bias (“Not Me” effect, stereotypes, cognitive shortcuts); implicit vs. explicit bias
- Exploring Cognitive Biases – Confirmation bias, halo effect, conformity, attribution errors; interactive exercises (attention tasks, Stroop test, cognitive reflection test)
- Bias in the Workplace – Impacts on decision-making, trust, communication, and retention; case studies on judicial bias and organizational effects
- Microaggressions – Definition, examples, and the “thousand paper cuts” metaphor
- Strategies to Reduce Bias – Self-check practices and intentional decision-making; exposure to difference and finding connections; building cultural competency
- Communication & Repair – Having difficult conversations; active listening and managing defensiveness; tools for more effective, inclusive dialogue
