Breaking Barriers: Addressing Unconscious Bias in the Tech Industry

Unconscious bias affects everyone, including tech professionals who believe they are objective and data-driven. In this blog post, we delve into the experiences of South African Business Applications MVP Carike Botha, who has worked diligently to recognize and mitigate her own biases. Carike will share practical strategies for the tech community to identify unconscious bias, fostering better team dynamics and enhancing creativity.

MVP Carike Botha

While everyone experiences unconscious bias, how can you become more aware of your own unconscious biases and work to counteract them?

In my experience, becoming aware of unconscious bias starts with actively seeking out programs and resources that can help raise awareness.

At my workplace, there is a dedicated program for addressing unconscious bias. Without this program, I might never have fully recognized my own biases. The program includes a Women’s Forum which began about 6 years ago. Women from this group participated in a course created by the Chapter Network, and upon completion we facilitated an Unconscious Bias session. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and from there, the training was rolled out across the whole business. The Unconscious Bias training is led by women in the forum and is a 90-minute session. The training creates a space where employees can openly voice biases they’ve experienced or those they’ve recognized in themselves or others. During these sessions, we emphasize that there is no right or wrong, but the key takeaway is that awareness is crucial to making a difference. The positive response led to the training being rolled out company-wide.

Remaining open-minded and encouraging others to approach you with any concerns about bias is essential. This practice helps cultivate a learning environment where everyone can grow together. By inviting feedback, we ensure biases are addressed, fostering mutual respect, accountability, and a culture where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

In your experience, how does unconscious bias manifest in everyday interactions among tech professionals?
Unconscious bias often appears in everyday interactions within the tech industry, especially through stereotypes about what a woman in tech “should” look like. These biases show up in assumptions about our wardrobe, whether we’re gamers, or the constant need to prove and validate our skills, despite our progress.

Unconscious biases towards women in tech manifest in various ways, such as assumptions that women are less technical or always need validation. For example, some may think women lack expertise in certain roles because they are perceived as soft, social, or friendly, or assume they are in the industry just to "fill a quota."

These biases can result in women being overlooked for leadership positions, denied career advancement, or having their ideas dismissed in meetings. Over time, these challenges can erode confidence and hinder career growth. Additionally, it limits innovation and reduces the diversity of thought crucial to the success of teams and organizations in the tech sector.

Many tech professionals believe they are objective and data driven. How can unconscious bias still affect their work despite this belief?

Many tech professionals believe they are objective and data-driven, making unconscious bias harder to detect. However, even in data-driven fields, personal perspectives influence decisions, whether consciously or not. Therefore, it's crucial to continuously challenge assumptions and remain open to feedback.

Unconscious biases can subtly affect decisions in data-driven environments. For instance, when interpreting data, individuals may unintentionally prioritize information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs rather than examining it objectively.

In hiring, unconscious bias might lead a manager to favor candidates who resemble themselves or fit a certain mold, even if data suggests other candidates are better suited for the role.

Algorithmic biases are another example—tech professionals may not realize that the models they design or the datasets they use reflect their own biases, resulting in skewed outcomes.

Moreover, relying on data to justify decisions can be problematic. Tech professionals might overlook the broader context or social implications, thereby ignoring how biases in data collection or model assumptions could perpetuate inequality or exclusion.

How can tech leaders and managers actively mitigate unconscious bias within their teams? 

Tech leaders and managers can mitigate unconscious bias by fostering an inclusive environment, providing ongoing training, and encouraging open conversations. Creating an inclusive environment starts with intentional actions that demonstrate a commitment to fairness, respect, and diversity. Practical ways to foster inclusion include:

Promoting Diverse Representation: Actively recruit from diverse talent pools and ensure diverse voices are heard in meetings. Mentorship programs pairing underrepresented groups with senior leaders can help break down barriers and build trust.

Implementing Bias-Reducing Strategies in Hiring: Use blind hiring processes where personal information for example gender, race, or age is removed from resumes or applications to focus on skills and qualifications.

Encouraging Open Dialogue: Facilitate regular discussions around unconscious bias and its impact, allowing team members to safely share experiences and learn from one another. This can be done through lunch-and-learns or town hall meetings that address diversity and inclusion.

Training and Resources: Offer continuous training on recognizing and addressing bias, and creating accessible resources (e.g., reading materials, workshops, or bias assessment tools) for employees to explore at their own pace.

Celebrating Diversity: Actively recognize the contributions of diverse team members and celebrate various cultural holidays and events that reflect the team’s diversity. This raises awareness and fosters an environment where people feel seen and valued for who they are.

By implementing these strategies, leaders can create an environment where merit and contributions are recognized, and biases are less likely to influence decisions.

In conclusion, by actively practicing these skills, we can begin to create a safe space for open dialogue and awareness. Encouraging feedback and promoting diverse representation are crucial steps tech leaders can take to mitigate unconscious bias and foster a culture of respect and inclusion. Acknowledging and confronting our biases allows us to enhance team collaboration, boost innovation, and foster a deeper sense of community within the tech industry.

MVP Carike Botha