1. UNCONSCIOUS BIAS IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
ROOPA RAVIKUMAR
PURNIMA VENKATESH
SAP LABS INDIA
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

2. KEY OBJECTIVES Knowing Unconscious Bias Recognizing your own biases
Tackling perceptions and unconscious bias in the workplace
Moving diversity and inclusion from concept to action
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

3. YOU ARE BIASED (SO AM I)
Everyone has biases; it's part of being human. It's important not to be ashamed of this basic fact.
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

4. UNCONSCIOUS BIAS – EVERYONE’S ISSUE
Unconscious bias happens automatically by making snap judgments based on our background, cultural environment, past and personal experiences and social stereotyping
Types of Bias
Conscious or Explicit Bias
Unconscious or Implicit Bias
Unconscious bias is far more widespread than conscious prejudice
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

5. TYPES OF UNCONSCIOUS BIAS
Definition
Example
Homophily
'Love of the same' - the tendency to be associated with people like us.
“Tom is likely to be great for the role; he went to the same university I did.”
In-group vs Out-group
People who share our particular qualities are included in the ‘In’ group = US. Those who do not share the same qualities form part of the ‘Out’ group = THEM. We need to feel part of a group, and we treat those in it more favorably than those who are not.
Mark and Dave play golf with Fred, the CEO. They also have been awarded the most prestigious accounts lately and have had opportunity to present to the Board. Sam can’t play golf and while he is at the same managerial level, he hasn’t been afforded the same opportunities nor a reason.
Stereotype
Stereotypes are over-simplified opinions that do not account for individual differences.
There’s no point promoting women as they will all just leave and have kids anyway. Men are better at negotiating tough deals. Gen Y employees are demanding and feel entitled to promotions without working for them.
Confirmation
The tendency to search for or interpret information and behaviors in a way that confirms what we already believe.
“Jack’s only been here 6 months and he already wants a pay rise. I told you all Gen Y employees just feel they deserve everything right away.”
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

6. HOW TO RECOGNIZE YOUR OWN BIASES
Be honest with yourself about the stereotypes that affect you
You may consciously think that men and women are equally effective leaders but, as a woman, you believe that men perhaps don't have the same level of empathy and people skills as women or vice versa
Recruitment is an area where unconscious bias may come into play
Ensure the wording of your job advert does not favor one group of people or another
When you read resumes, read several side by side rather than just one at a time, that way you focus more on the performance and skills mentioned rather than on issues such as gender
The language of diversity makes people uncomfortable
Words like discrimination, oppression, dominance, subordination, heterosexism, racism or male privilege often cause negative reactions
When people speak these words, others begin to focus on what it means for them
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

7. TACKLING UNCONSCIOUS BIAS
Awareness: increase self-awareness and understand that hidden biases go beyond our usual perception of ourselves and others
Empathy: the ability to feel or imagine how our unconscious bias affects the other person
Exposure: mixing with a variety of people outside your traditional ‘in groups’ helps break down stereotypes and assumptions
Inclusion: small gestures of respect and inclusion can help you become more consciously fair with focus given to listening and fosters an equitable environment
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

8. TECHNICAL WRITING AND UNCONSCIOUS BIAS
The TW landscape 20 years ago v/s what it is today
SMEs who “dumb it down” because as a “woman” or a “technical writer” you wouldn’t understand the technical details
Managers who hire and build teams that are lopsided
Handling expectations and needs of Millennials, Generation X and the Baby Boomers
Age-based stereotypes and how to bridge generation gaps in the workplace
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

9. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION – CONCEPT TO ACTION
Create a well-documented plan of action complete with goals, objectives and manageable tasks
Incorporate diversity principles across business functions and units
Create opportunities for cross-generational work teams and interactions
 Invest in team building and leadership skills
Hold yourself accountable
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

10. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO: Deliberately SLOW DOWN decision making
RECONSIDER reasons for decisions
QUESTION cultural stereotypes
MONITOR your unconscious bias
We can’t cure unconscious bias, but with self-awareness we can address it!
Seminars
Workshops
Training sessions
E-learning materials
Staff surveys to asses unconscious bias before and after the training
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER

11. ACT NOW Commit to becoming aware of your unconscious bias.
Unconscious bias is like sunglasses that a person wears. Everything you see through this glass is tinged. If we can transcend our unconscious bias by removing these sunglasses, then, we can “Sail in Harmony”!
© 2016, STC INDIA CHAPTER