3 questions for HOWARD ROSS

What is unconscious bias ? Unconscious biases are part of human nature! As neuroscience shows us, our brain functions are wired to make quick decisions. We categorize every- thing we see in an attempt to decide whether or not it is beneficial for us. This unconscious process is common to all cultures.

What are the consequences for a company? The main risk is making decisions that are not based on the right criteria and, therefore, are not good for the company. For example, I am a musician and

I might tend to recruit fellow music lovers rather than people with the best quali- fications. This applies in all fields: mar- keting, distribution, customer relations, etc. Although we cannot eliminate these biases, we can significantly reduce their impact by simply being conscious that they exist.

Why is it a challenge for Capgemini? Like other global companies, Capgemini has to create a common language around unconscious bias. But the nature and perception of these biases are very different in different countries and cultures. It is a long process.

Talent

Ethics at Capgemini are everyone s business Upon arrival at Capgemini, all new employees are required to sign the code of ethics at the same time as their employment contract. In 2014, the Group produced three modules of mandatory e-learning for all employees on major ethical issues: anti- corruption, competition law and the Group s code of ethics. Several booster shots are planned in 2015. In two years, fifty ethics workshops have been held with top managers of all entities around the world. In March 2015, for the third year in a row, the Group was named One of the World s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute, which rewards companies for their level of ethical behavior (see page 24).

HOW TO FIGHT PREJUDICE AT WORK?

A company that makes the slightest ethical mistake will see its reputation collapse at internet speed. To prevent this, we have to work daily on three human factors: trust that leaves room for individual initiative, continuous vigilance to detect any anomaly, and swift sanctions for any irregularities.

DANIEL CHAFFRAIX, HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES, SOUTHERN EUROPE.

86% of team members believe that they have a role to play in ethics at Capgemini. An increase of 4 points compared to 2013. Source: Annual Group Employee Survey, conducted internally in 2014.

A former teacher, rock and roll musician and college professor who has taught at several American universities including the prestigious Bennett College, Howard Ross has been helping international companies with the issues of transformation and diversity for the past 25 years. He is considered a thought leader in the field of unconscious bias .

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