Cultural Biased Training - How To Avoid The Trap

Recently while reading a textbook for a future class, I happened across a term I recognized from previous readings, but in a different light. I read many books looking for relevant information for students (actually it is more like browsing.) I fear nothing more than walking in a classroom without an arsenal of abstracts, possibilities, and connections with previous events. The question becomes just what information I read and what impact it might relate to students.

Training publications, and for that matter, human resources publications tend to sort information in terms of a specific group of people. Those that can read at a “legalese” level, textbook or business style writings, and worst case a thesis level. Trainers use those documents to develop corporate training programs that eventually trickle down to the workforce. Few, if any, make changes before changing audiences. Yet, trainers put their heads down like a bull and charge forward (does that seem biased?)

A few publications come to mind when reading about cultural bias “enlightenment.” Drs. Ron and Caryl Krannich authored several books for, and about, ex-offenders returning to society and the workforce. Many analogies surfaced while reading their books. Anyone not impacted by incarceration today surely have a favored life. Myself, I have family with less than vanilla backgrounds. Krannich’s offered a refresher course in the lives of people not so familiar with life of the typical theme of returning to work. I will not rehash their writings, but urge trainers to read those books and remember not everyone in class has your lifestyle and background.

Another publication that changed my perspective includes “Flat Broke with Children” by Sharon Hays. Sharon provides a stark reminder of how and why many women find themselves in destitution with few escape routes. Either through work, church, schools, or family we find women caught up in this spiral of hopelessness. Imagine their involvement with training and every piece of information talks about life in a very different manner.

When you ready yourself for your next training event, make sure you prepare yourself to address the biases we, as trainers bring to the event.