Implicit Bias Activity

Imagine you are an HR hiring manager for an up-and-coming internet-based organization in Silicon Valley. You must hire someone analytical, well-educated, and with good technical skills. You  receive dozens of CVs and  your job is to pick someone who can do the job with ease. You secure four interviews. One with Michael Gallager, Tamikha Johnson, Patricia Morales and Wang Xiu Ying.

These imaginary four people have the same qualifications, went to the same school, studied at the same college and have the same work experience.

Who do you give the role to? Choose one:

Michael Gallager, Tamikha Johnson, Patricia Morales, Wang Xiu Ying

Regardless of the decision you made, it was made due to your bias. Unconscious biases like these in the workplace (and beyond!) can be debilitating and unfair for many. Our own bias is shaped in many ways; one of the major ways our bias is shaped is through the influences we have in our life. 

For the purpose of this toolkit, we have geared this activity toward your own intentions for using this guide. However, you can apply this same technique to any project or initiative you take on.