Masterclass Catalog

Diversity and Inclusion |

Achieving Inclusion Amidst Unconscious Bias, Microaggressions, and Polarized Positions Dr. Alexis Smith Washington — Spears School of Business Senior Inclusion Officer, Associate Professor of Management and William S. Spears Chair of Business Administration In a time of growing division, well-meaning workplace ideals — like “bring your whole self to work” — often fall short. This session goes beyond platitudes to explore the psychological roots of division and their impact on inclusion, cooperation, and leadership. Grounded in research from psychology, organizational behavior, and behavioral economics, this workshop examines unconscious bias, microaggressions, and group polarization. Participants will learn to identify these hidden dynamics and gain practical tools to foster greater understanding, inclusion, and collaboration in diverse teams.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Understand the science behind unconscious bias and group polarization Identify and address microaggressions in everyday interactions Apply practical tools to build inclusive and cooperative workplace cultures

Presented by the Department of Management and the Center for the Future of Work, Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University CEUs : 0.1 or 0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), based on seminar length

SEMINAR OUTLINE Part 1: Building awareness:

Part 2 : Effecting change:

I. Unconscious bias

III. Building inclusive workplaces

A. What is it and who has it?

A. Individual remedies i. Overcoming silos and polarized positions a. Recognizing and engaging others’ difference b. Constructive dialogue ii. Leadership imperatives B. Organizational remedies i. Identifying systematic bias ii. Designing less biased organizations

i. Background on a deep-seated phenomenon B. How did I get it? i. Psychological and social bases of bias C. If everyone has it, does it matter?

II. Workplace manifestations

A. Old-fashioned bias B. Microaggressions C. Systematic biases (policy and practice) D. Silos and stifled conversations i. Case analysis and discussion [Optional]

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