Understanding and challenging our biases
Globalisation has led to unprecedented exchange between people from different cultures and backgrounds. While diversity has great potential for mutual enrichment and trade, it has come up against psychological obstacles that organisations and societies need to manage. Humans are not naturally open and inclusive. We have evolved to be wary of those who are different and tend to judge others based on stereotypes. The better treatment of those who we perceive to belong to our own group is the most fundamental fact about how people interact.
Behavioural science insights can enable individuals and policymakers to challenge their own and others’ biases, which are often unconscious and, therefore, difficult to dislodge. Awareness of the causes of prejudice and discrimination allows for the creation of behavioural policies that reduce harmful effects not just on the individuals concerned but also on organisations and society.