Unconscious bias is a term that describes a bias of which we are unaware. It happens automatically and outside of our control and is often triggered by our brain making quick judgments and assessments of people and situations.
Our unconscious biases are influenced by our background, cultural environment and personal experiences.
It is important to become aware of these brain operations, since many are flawed. Being unaware of our biases can lead to faulty decision making such as employing the wrong person or overlooking the best person for a job or promotion.
We cannot defeat the unconscious mind but we can become aware of and manage it by implementing policies and procedures that help us act in a more rational way and in the best interests of our business.
ECU: 2013 Unconscious bias in higher education