Workplace bias presents significant challenges
to equity and inclusion within professional environments. While the detrimental
effects of discrimination are extensively documented, the origins of workplace
bias remain less understood. This study investigates predictors of workplace
bias using data from the World Values Survey Wave 7 (2017–2022), encompassing
approximately 56,000 employed respondents worldwide. The analysis targets four
specific areas: exclusionary social attitudes, media exposure, professional
memberships, and social affiliations. Results from correlation and regression
analyses reveal that exclusionary social attitudes are the most robust
predictor of workplace bias, indicating a strong correlation between
intolerance towards marginalised groups and biased beliefs.
Additionally,
media exposure demonstrates a small negative correlation with workplace bias,
suggesting that access to diverse information may contribute to reduced
prejudice. Conversely, professional memberships exhibit a slight mitigating
effect on bias, whereas social affiliations are associated with an increase in
bias. These findings emphasise that the primary roots of workplace bias lie in
exclusionary beliefs, with media exposure and social affiliations playing
secondary roles. To cultivate equitable workplace cultures, it is crucial to
address these underlying causes by promoting inclusive norms, enhancing media
literacy, and implementing targeted social interventions.
