Diversity, Bias & Integrity: Leadership Implications

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the nature of diversity, bias, and integrity as concepts that today’s leaders must address and to explain how those three concepts interrelate in affecting a leader’s credibility. After defining each of these key terms, we identify ten common responses of managers and leaders about diversity and bias that undermine their ability to be deemed men or women of integrity. We suggest six action steps for leaders and organizations to adopt to demonstrate their commitment to unbiased treatment of employees and conclude the paper with a challenge to those who lead to reflect on their own interactions as they strive to be perceived as fair and just.