What is bias in decision-making?

Bias in decision-making refers to patterns that distort judgment away from objective facts. In teams, these biases shape who is heard, which options are considered, and how risks are assessed. Recognizing bias helps protect fairness and safety in workplace outcomes.

Common bias types include affinity bias, confirmation bias, anchoring, and the halo effect. Affinity bias favors people who resemble us. Confirmation bias seeks data that confirms our initial view. Anchoring relies on early information. The halo effect colors overall judgment.

Impact on harassment and diversity: biased decisions can hide mistreatment, limit access to opportunities, and undermine trust. Reducing bias supports inclusive leadership and psychological safety.

Key practice: pause to question assumptions, invite diverse input, and document rationale. These steps create more transparent and fair decisions.