Text IQ has announced the launch of its Unconscious Bias Detector to help uncover hidden bias in the employee performance review process.
The new software, part of Text IQ’s AI for Good initiative, uses advanced capabilities for understanding, categorising and analysing unstructured information to detect patterns of bias in performance appraisal documents. The machine-learning model “identifies potential bias in categories such as race, gender, ethnic origin and age; and provides detailed reporting on the types of language used by reviewers within different populations. Organisations can then mitigate this hidden bias through education, coaching and redesigned processes based on rigorous assessments and easy-to-understand examples”, according to the software firm.
“We are proud to deliver the best solutions for our customers and to devote time and energy to developing our AI for Good solutions,” stated Omar Haroun, Text IQ Co-founder and COO. “It’s our experience that business leaders want to provide fair and equitable work environments because it’s the right thing to do. Yet, they struggle under the explosion of corporate data to discover the insights that will guide their continued transformation. With our AI for Good solutions, companies can foster diverse workforces and reward employees who possess talent and ability – regardless of their gender, race, age or ethnic background.”
ENSURING FAIR EVALUATIONS
The breakthrough software helps to ensure “fair evaluation”, claims the company. “The Unconscious Bias Detector is breakthrough software that helps companies ensure that employees are evaluated on an equal basis and that deserving workers receive the recognition and promotions they’ve earned,” commented Apoorv Agarwal, Text IQ Co-founder and CEO.
Unconscious bias is by its nature hard to identify and therefore hard to address. “But if left unchecked, these biases can erode employee motivation, sap creativity and work against building an inclusive and diverse organisation. The Unconscious Bias Detector enables managers to recognise hidden weaknesses in their evaluation process and adopt better practices; the kind that can lead to increased effectiveness, improved morale and lower turnover,” explained Agarwal.
SHINING A LIGHT ON UNCONSCIOUS BIAS
“What is hidden can’t be measured or improved, so shining a light on unconscious bias in the workplace is key to unlocking innovation, driving employee success and building a diverse and enduring company,” commented Ruby Zefo, diversity and inclusion advocate and Chief Privacy Officer at Uber. “Talented and dedicated employees are incredibly valuable and frequently difficult to replace. One way to build loyalty is by making sure the workplace is a level playing field. All employees want is a genuine opportunity to reach their full potential and for their hard work and abilities to be judged fairly. By bringing unconscious bias to light, organisations demonstrate that they’re committed to fairness, inclusivity and diversity.”
“Text IQ is demonstrating its deep commitment to AI for Good and solving a previously unsolvable problem,” added Tim Guleri, Managing Director of Sierra Ventures. “I track all the major innovations in artificial intelligence, and what Text IQ has achieved is a marvel. The company’s ability to analyse sensitive information in unstructured data has led to a solution for an insidious problem; one that many people assumed existed but believed was impossible to root out. Organisations will clearly benefit from the analysis performed by the company’s Unconscious Bias Detector.”
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