Bias is a tendency to favour one person or opinion over another and can have a huge impact on businesses. Bias can be due to prejudice, preconceived opinions, or even misinterpreted information. In any case, bias can lead to unfair treatments, decisions, and policies within organizations and businesses.
The consequences of bias in the workplace can have massive financial and reputational costs. In a highly competitive industry, businesses must be aware of any bias in their organization so that they can make sure that decisions and policies are fair and equitable. Failing to recognize and address bias can lead to accusations of discrimination, which can result in costly legal battles.
An example of how bias can have a real-world impact on businesses can be seen from the allegations against technology giants like Google. In May 2021, an action brought by four former employees against Google was certified as a class action. The suit claimed that Google has denied equal pay to its female employees. In June 2022, Google agreed to pay $118 million to settle the suit, which includes about 15,500 women.
Businesses must be aware of the potential implications of bias and take steps to ensure their organization is as non-biased as possible. This includes examining their hiring procedures, internal policies, and pay practices. By recognizing potential sources of bias, businesses can make sure that their decisions and policies are fair, equal, and in compliance with the law.