Summary
Publication on unconscious bias in appointment procedures
Target groups
Implementing organization
University of Vienna - Culture and Equality unit /Contact
Implemented/introduced
Published 2019
Relation to gender equality targets
The booklet is intended to aid in increasing the proportion of women in academia. Several policy documents at the University of Vienna feature the elimination of underrepresentation of women. For example, the Development Plan (Point 4.6.3 Equality and Diversity) and the Affirmative Action Plan for the Advancement of Women (Section 2)
The objective(s) of the tool
Directed at appointment committees and panels, the handbook Wissenschaftskarriere und Gender Bias” (“Academic careers and gender bias”) aims at revealing unconscious gender bias that is active, for instance, in appointment procedures and at enabling identification of biases possibly influencing your decisions.
Description of the tool
The handbook renders visible (unconscious) biases which influence numerous different settings: stereotypes, stereotypical behavior of women/of men; notions of how perfect academics are supposed to be, as well as the interplay of these elements are substantiated by numbers and international research. As these studies show, our actions and decisions are often affected by unconscious attitudes and assumptions. Panels and committees are no exception even when objectively aiming at appointing the most suitable candidates.
How the tool works, practical experience
The handbook has only recently become available for committees and panels.
Attachments
Wissenschaftskarriere und Gender Bias.pdf (in German only)