Unconscious Bias in the COVID-19 Era

Unconscious Bias in the COVID-19 Era

Pamela Ann Gordon, Julie A. Overbey
Copyright: © 2022 |Pages: 18
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-8827-7.ch010
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Abstract

Bias, both conscious and unconscious, is defined in many ways. Bias incorporates implicit stereotypes and prejudices, impacts judgments, is displayed in nonverbal behaviors, and may result in a dissociation between what a person believes is right and unconscious beliefs that cause negative actions. Understanding and recognizing the negative impact of unconscious, or implicit, bias during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021 is an important leadership tool. Unconscious bias manifests in many forms. A clear awareness of these forms of bias, learning to recognize the biases, and understanding how to reduce the negative impact of unconscious bias are important to leaders in workplaces upended by the effects if the pandemic. Twelve forms of unconscious bias, its manifestation in the workplace, and the impact of COVID-19 are explored.
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Unconscious Bias

Unconscious biases are “quick judgments and assessments of people and situations that are influenced by personal background, experiences, memories, and cultural environment” (Byyny, 2017, p. 2). These judgments potentially affect social interactions (Reiners, 2021a). Summarizing key concepts, Noon (2018) posited that unconscious biases are deeply rooted attitudes and behaviors exhibited by everyone; occur unknowingly; and through social psychological testing are measurable. The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered unique experiences to witness examples of virus bias more frequently in the workplace setting. Of growing concern is the belief that behaviors exhibited during the pandemic may have longer-standing repercussions.

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