AP CASE PROBLEM: The Anti-Bias Training Session HR consultant Emma is conducting an on-premises workshop in anti-bias training for Star Growth Inc, body in the company over age 50. I figure that if you're Ewa: When I need technical advice, I never ask any a large telecommunications company. Although Star nota digital native, you won't be very helpful with Growth was not plagued with complaints about discrim- tough tech problem. ination against or limited growth opportunities for any particular group, company leadership wanted to foster think of it, I do have one bias. If I need something done Gianna: I never thought I was binsed, but come to a climate of cultural diversity and inclusion. The CEO in a hurry, I avoid asking an obese person. I think he or said. "We are hiring Emma as much for prevention of she might be a little lazy. problems as dealing with actual problems." After delivering a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation the new CFO had an MBA from Harvard, I was relieved. Hudson: When the company recently announced that on the meaning of implicit bias and how it might affect I figure that the best financial minds have attended elite workplace relationships, Emma gives the 10 workshop schools. participants this assignment: "I want each of you, one by one, to tell the group of any bias you think you might fer to one of two departments. I avoided the depart- Harley: Last year I had an opportunity to trans- possibly have. Nothing you say will be placed on a hid- ment headed by a recently divorced middle-aged male den video and presented to management. So be as can because I thought there was a good chance that he would did as you are willing to be. I want us all to learn what sexually harass me. biases might really be like at Star Growth." Although Ivan: Two weeks ago I had to visit our affiliated visibly nervous, the workshop participants obliged urgent-care clinic because I had cut a capillary in my fin- Emma's request. ger. I requested being helped by a woman nurse because Derek: I'll go first at the risk of being hated by my I believe that nursing is a job for a woman. colleagues. As a sales manager, when I am interviewing Crystal: I needed to add another member to my proj- a candidate for a sales position and she is really a knock- ect. 1 purposely avoided inviting a millennial to join out in appearance, I think she might not be so sharp because I think that they have poor attendance records. intellectually. Sorry, folks, that's my bias. Lionel: We had to order new, complex telecom- Tanya: When I'm at a store purchasing something munication equipment. I suggested that we order the complicated, like a smart refrigerator or a giant-screen equipment from a German firm because I believe that TV set, I'll approach an Asian sales associate first if Germans are the best manufacturing engineers. possible especially Indian Americans or Chinese Emma said, "Thanks for your candor. Let's reflect Americans because my bias is that they are smart and together on what we just learned about bias at Star efficient. Growth." Brice: If I see a young African American in our com- Case Questions pany wearing a lot of expensive "bling." I figure that he or she might be involved in crime on the outside. I know 1. To what extent do you think that the employees expression of their conscious biases in a workshop that's a horrible insult, but Emma asked us to be totally accomplishes anything worthwhile? honest. Connor: A few months ago I was tasked with the job 2. Which one or two of the biases expressed do you think might be harmful to a climate of cultural di- of putting together a men's basketball team to compete versity at Star Growth? in an industrial league. My first approach was to talk to or send texts to African American or African guys in 3. If you were in this workshop, explain whether or not you would express any conscious bias you might the company. I figure they have more interest and nat- ural ability in basketball. I hope I didn't hurt anybody's feelings. have