Reframing to Reduce Resistance: Using System Affirmation to Improve Gender Bias Training

Abstract

Persistent gender gaps in the workforce prove difficult to change without looking at the role of implicit gender biases. The proliferation of training designed to address implicit bias has left inconclusive findings, ranging from minimal effects (e.g. minimal changes to attitudes) to no effect to negative effects (e.g. increased use of negative stereotypes). The present paper focuses on gender biases and aimed to test how a common form of implicit bias training can be framed to improve outcomes. Using a between-subjects experimental design with 481 undergraduate students, we tested if a system affirmation manipulation following training could help overcome resistance to training. We found a positive effect of training on knowledge of gender privilege and beneficial behavioural intentions. The interaction effect of training and system affirmation was not significant for attitudes towards learning, nor intentions to challenge gender privilege and engage in discussions with aggressors. In sum, this study provides insight to the usefulness of brief interventions and how system affirmation framing may be a method to improving training outcomes for organizations.