Uncovering the Hidden Influences: Recognizing Interviewer Biases in Workplace Investigations

Maintaining neutrality in a workplace investigation is critical to reaching a fair and satisfactory conclusion. A significant factor that can impact maintaining objectivity is interview bias. We all have biases, although we may think they don't affect us, or we are professional enough not to let them. However if they remain in our unconscious they could warp our perceptions, interpretations and even the final outcome if we are not careful. The best way to avoid a negative impact from a bias is to understand them and recognize them so that we can make better decisions and do right by our organizations and the people within them.

What Are Interviewer Biases?

Interviewer biases are the preconceived ideas, stereotypes, or personal opinions that affect how an interviewer gathers information during investigations. These biases can distort how an interviewer's understanding hinges on individual responses or the emphasis placed on specific evidence. The process for uncovering ours starts with self reflection, understanding our triggers and reactions when it comes to our connections with others. To have them is to be human, its how we manage them that affects our abilities as an investigator.

Awareness of these biases are a key way to combat their influence on the investigation. Inaccurate conclusions, inequitable treatment, damage to trust and possible legal action are a few of the repercussions that can be avoided with understanding our own thoughts and reactions to the individuals we are interviewing and making sure we are being just and fair.

Strategies for Recognizing and Mitigating Interviewer Biases

There are several effective strategies organizations can employ to reduce interviewer biases during workplace investigations. Here are some practical approaches:

1. Training Interviewers

Training investigators is crucial for reducing biases. Programs focused on gender, cultural, and generational sensitivity can help raise awareness of biases and their effects. Of particular importance is trauma informed interviewing techniques. Learning that people don't always behave according to our preconceptions can make a difference in how an action is interpreted. If you are an independent investigator, keeping yourself current with continued education and training will help you in your practice.

2. Follow a consistent process

Preparing and planning out the investigation in advance of interviews in accordance with a consistent process can help ensure the questions are relevant, non leading and free from subjective reactions. Maintaining a neutral objective tone while conducting the interview is easier when there is a workflow established for the interaction, especially if you as an investigator become triggered during the discourse.

3. Gather and Analyze Data Objectively

Data should be gathered analyzed using objective criteria instead of personal interpretations. Most investigators will evaluate the evidence using the appropriate policy to determine relevance and understand the connection to the case. All evidence should be documented and labelled appropriately (include date and time received, from whom it was gathered and what was said about it).

4. Ensure Accountability

Establishing oversight mechanisms, where decisions based on interview findings are subject to review, can help hold interviewers accountable. Clear and consistent processes create an environment where biases are less likely to influence outcomes.

5. Establish a self reflection practice as part of your preparation for investigations:

    

   1. Here are a few examples of questions you can ask yourself

   2. Have I had any negative or positive thoughts about the person I am interviewing, what triggered it, is it relevant to the investigation or based on my prior experience?

   3. Have I become invested in a specific outcome, am I looking for evidence that supports how I am thinking about an interviewee before I have reached the evaluation stage of the investigation?

   4. Am I interpreting what I observed or heard from an interviewee through my own lens or am I clarifying their actions and words?

Emphasizing Fairness in Investigations

Recognizing and tackling interviewer biases in workplace investigations is key to promoting fairness and objectivity. By identifying the types of biases that can occur and employing strategies to minimize their effects, we protect the integrity of our investigative processes.

Ultimately, a commitment to reducing biases enhances the quality of investigations and fosters a workplace culture built on trust, respect, and equality.