What is a common effect of individual biases in diverse settings?

Individual biases in diverse settings often lead to conflict and inequitable treatment. When people operate with biases—whether they are conscious or unconscious—they may approach interactions with preconceived notions about others based on their race, gender, culture, or other characteristics. This can manifest as discrimination, stereotyping, or exclusion, negatively impacting interpersonal dynamics and leading to misunderstandings or disagreements. Such biases can also result in people being treated unfairly, which can perpetuate systemic inequities and contribute to a hostile environment.

In contrast, enhanced interpersonal relationships, improved cultural understanding, and decreased inequality are outcomes that usually arise from actively addressing and mitigating biases rather than from the biases themselves. Therefore, it is clear that the presence of individual biases is more likely to foster conflict and inequitable treatment in diverse environments.