The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) is inviting industry professionals to participate in an online survey as it investigates unconscious bias in Australian and New Zealand organisations.

In partnership with SURA and Wotton + Kearney, ANZIIF has commissioned Psynapse

Psychometrics founding director Dr. Jennifer Whelan, one of Australia’s leading experts, to conduct the research.

According to ANZIIF, unconscious bias is a common issue affecting organisations all over the world. It mentioned a recent article by Forbes magazine, which asserted that people bring unconscious biases into the workplace. These deeply subconscious attitudes span race, gender, appearance, age, wealth and much more. They influence everything from the cars we drive to the employees we promote and the ones we don’t. And because these biases are instinctively triggered, they are virtually unnoticeable, it noted.

“The higher the number of participants, the more accurate the results, so please share the survey with your colleagues working in the insurance sector,” ANZIIF marketing and events GM Mary Orgill said.

“We are pleased to join forces with ANZIIF and SURA to explore trends and attitudes relating to unconscious bias and business culture in Australia and New Zealand,” Wotton + Kearney chief executive partner David Kearney said.

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“This research delivers a beneficial tool for our industry’s leaders to develop better understanding of unconscious bias and the benefits of diversity in their organisations,” SURA managing director Angie Zissis added.

The results of the research will be presented at the fifth Dive In Festival, created by Wotton + Kearney and SURA, which is planned for September 24-26.