Chapter 8 - I Know What Happens When You Assume Flashcards
How can virtual communication both reduce and reinforce stereotypes?
It can reduce stereotypes by masking visible differences (e.g., race, gender, disability), but it can also reinforce biases due to lack of context and reliance on assumptions in low-richness modes like email.
What is the ‘illusion of understanding’ and why does it matter?
It’s the false belief that your meaning is clear and that you understand others better than you do—common in cross-cultural or text-based communication where shared context is lacking.
When is less-rich communication (text, email) helpful in reducing bias?
When differences are unknown, using leaner modes can mask characteristics that might trigger bias (e.g., appearance, accent), helping to prevent stereotype activation.
When is richer communication (video, audio) better for reducing bias?
When differences are known, richer modes humanize the person, making it easier for others to see them as individuals instead of stereotypes.
What is the fundamental attribution error and how does it relate to virtual bias?
It’s the tendency to attribute others’ mistakes to their character, not context. In virtual communication, this can lead us to judge people harshly for etiquette or grammar mistakes without considering cultural or language differences.
How can nonnative speakers reduce bias in how they’re perceived over email?
By acknowledging language differences (e.g., “English is not my first language”), they can trigger forgiveness and reduce negative assumptions about competence.
What does research say about women negotiating virtually versus in-person?
Women perform better in virtual negotiations, as low-richness modes reduce pressure to conform to gender norms (e.g., being cooperative instead of assertive).
What mode is best when you’re trying to reduce bias against someone else?
Choose richer modes like phone or video. These allow the person to be seen as a whole individual and combat overgeneralized assumptions.
How should you respond when unsure of someone’s cultural background in virtual communication?
Avoid assumptions, ask clarifying questions, and seek more context (e.g., bios, time zones, native language) before making judgments.
How can being open about your background reduce bias?
Highlighting differences (e.g., cultural background, language) invites empathy and helps others attribute errors to context, not incompetence.
Why is asking about communication preferences important for inclusion?
It respects individual accessibility needs and avoids the egocentric bias of assuming everyone communicates best the way you do.
How can companies use virtual communication to promote inclusion?
By offering mode flexibility, masking identities during hiring, discussing cultural norms, and allowing remote work, companies can increase equity and access across diverse groups.
