Understanding bias in the workplace and strategies to combat it

Workplace bias is pervasive in organizations around the world, and it can lead to negative consequences for job applicants, employees, and organizations. In this chapter, we discuss two types of bias: (1) overt bias, which is explicit, often intentional, and hostile, and (2) subtle bias, which is more covert and sometimes unintentional. We discuss several factors that contribute to why people hold and express bias. Finally, we outline strategies that individuals and organizations can engage in to reduce the occurrence of bias in the workplace.