FAIRNESS IN DECISION MAKING

Fairness
/ˈfɛrnɪs/
noun
 ability to make judgments free from discrimination or dishonesty the quality or state of
being fair
 especially : fair or impartial treatment : lack of favoritism toward one side or another
 marked by impartiality and honesty : free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism

“Equals should be treated equally and unequal, unequally.” Aristotle said. Decision -making is one of the
qualifications’ skills for a managers or leaders, especially being fair of it. Based on the given definitions
of fairness, it is simply being equal at all costs.
Mr. Christophe Grimont says in his article that, “Before giving the outcome, ensure the process is clearly
understood by everyone; people who are losing out through the decision will accept it more easily. ” In
this statement, he clearly proclaimed that fairness in decision-making was needed to be clear and
understandable so the decision will be acceptable even it not favorable to the client.
He also mentioned in his article about, “system of equity” or a “system of equality”. At first we think that
equity and equality was the same. But, equality means each individual or group of people is given the
same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and
allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
Equality was always be observed and used in decision-making, even though equity was also there but not
totally visible.
Fairness in decision-making was to be objective and avoid the biased as a negative reflection on anyone,
specially the leaders.

For example, there’s a situation where the pioneer and a newly hired staff at the office were fight inside
the company premises. The equality will be used because both of them will automatically receive a
disciplinary action (DA) and it is a fair decision-making since both of them were oriented in the rules and
regulations of the company.

Recognizing the essence of fairness in business analytics

The adoption of Business Analytics (BA) has proven to be highly beneficial for organizations, resulting in
increased efficiencies and financial gains. However, the implementation of BA has raised concerns
regarding the legal and ethical issues that arise when decisions are based on information that may have
fairness implications. It has become increasingly important to address these concerns, and as a result,
studies have been conducted to explore algorithmic fairness. This concept refers to the fairness of
algorithmic results that may cause inconsistency or other forms of unfairness for historically marginalized
groups. It is essential to ensure fairness in decision-making processes, not only for legal compliance but
also for social responsibility and utility. Unfair strategies in Business Analytics can lead to societal harm
and pose a significant risk to an organization's survival, competitiveness, and overall performance if not
addressed systematically. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the importance of fairness in Business
Analytics when making decisions.

Importance Of Fairness in Data Analysis

Fair data fairness is a crucial aspect of all industries and should be considered seriously. Here are some
compelling reasons why data analysis fairness is critical:

1. Enhanced A\
2. ccuracy and Informed Decisions: Fair data ensures accurate analysis, enabling informed
decisions that drive growth.

2. Long-lasting Relevance: Fair data maintains its value over time, providing insights that remain
applicable in an ever-changing landscape.

3. Confidence and Reputation: Distributing fair data builds trust and boosts reputation. It reflects
integrity.

4. A stimulant of creativity and innovation: Fair data not only provides answers, but also fuels
creativity and innovation among bright minds. Unbiased insights can lead to groundbreaking discoveries.

Understanding Bias and Its Impact:

When data analysis is biased, it can have severe consequences that undermine progress and reliability.
These implications include:

 Inaccuracy in Analysis and Organizational Disruption: Distorted data poses a potential threat
to businesses and organizations. It leads to misinformed decisions and operational chaos.

 Undermined Credibility and Hope: Relying on biased data can damage your credibility, erode
stakeholder trust, and cause people to lose faith in your capabilities.

 Individuals Functions and Progress are at Risk: Sharing biased data isn’t just a matter of
statistics; it can have real-world implications. Lives can be affected, and progress can be hindered
when decisions are based on skewed information.

 Flawed Analysis and Wrong Decisions: Biased data can introduce inconsistencies in analysis,
leading to flawed conclusions and misguided decisions by businesses..

In today's data-driven world, information and creativity flourish. The foundation of this world is built
upon the principles of equitable data. Whether you are a data analyst or simply someone who appreciates
insights, promoting fairness can inspire transformation beyond what has already been accomplished.
Establishing a culture of equity has the power to reshape our world in significant ways.
Best methods for ensuring transparency and fairness in decision-making.

Collaborative decision making is a process that involves multiple individuals with the common goal of
reaching a decision. This approach has many benefits such as enhancing creativity, innovation, and
productivity, as well as fostering trust and commitment among team members. However, it also presents
some challenges, such as ensuring transparency and fairness in the decision-making process.
Transparency is critical as it means that all relevant information, criteria, and rationale are shared openly
and honestly with everyone involved. Fairness is also vital, which means that all opinions, perspectives,
and interests are respected and considered equally. It is essential to ensure that the final decision is based
on objective and ethical standards. In this article, you will learn some of the best methods for ensuring
transparency and fairness in collaborative decision making.

Define the challenge and the goal

Before beginning any decision-making process, it is crucial to define the problem and the goal that you
want to achieve. This initial step will help you establish the scope, boundaries, and expectations of the
collaboration, as well as identify the key stakeholders and their roles and responsibilities. Additionally,
you should communicate the purpose, benefits, and risks of the collaboration, along with the decision-
making, implementation, and evaluation processes. By defining the problem and the goal, you will create
a shared vision and a common language for the collaboration. This will also lay the foundation for
transparency and fairness throughout the decision-making process.

Gather diverse data and information

The next step in decision-making is to gather and share relevant information. This information could be in
the form of data, evidence, and feedback, which you can collect from various sources such as research,
experts, customers, or other stakeholders. It is also important to listen to the opinions, perspectives, and
interests of those working with you, and encourage them to ask questions and challenge assumptions. To
make the information easily understandable, you should present it clearly, concisely, and in an accessible
manner, using appropriate tools such as charts, graphs, reports, or presentations. By gathering and sharing
information in this way, you will improve the quality and credibility of your decision-making process,
and foster a culture of openness and honesty.

Create and assess alternatives

The third step in problem-solving and achieving a goal is to generate and evaluate possible alternatives.
To come up with a range of options that address the needs and preferences of all collaborators, you can
use creative and analytical techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, SWOT analysis, or cost-
benefit analysis. You should also evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each option, applying criteria
and standards such as feasibility, effectiveness, efficiency, or sustainability. By generating and evaluating
alternatives, you can encourage innovation and diversity of thought, and ensure that the decision-making
process is based on logic and evidence.
Select and justify the best option

The fourth step in solving a problem is to carefully choose and defend the best option that meets the
problem and the goal. To make the final decision, it is important to use a fair and transparent method,
such as voting, consensus, or delegation, depending on the situation and the level of agreement among the
collaborators. You should also provide a clear explanation of the rationale and the implications of the
decision, and how it aligns with the criteria and standards used to evaluate the alternatives. It's important
to acknowledge and address any concerns or objections that may arise from the collaborators or other
stakeholders, and seek their feedback and support for the decision. By selecting and justifying the best
option, you will demonstrate accountability and integrity, and build trust and commitment among the
collaborators.

Execute and monitor decision

The fifth step is to implement and monitor the decision that was made collaboratively. You should
develop and communicate a clear and detailed plan for executing the decision, including the roles and
responsibilities, the resources and timelines, and the risks and contingencies. You should also establish
and use indicators and metrics, such as quality, quantity, or satisfaction, to measure and track the progress
and the outcomes of the decision, and to identify and resolve any issues or challenges that may arise. You
should share the results and the feedback with the collaborators and other stakeholders, and celebrate the
successes and learn from the failures. By implementing and monitoring the decision, yoThe fifth and final
step in the decision-making process is to put the collaborative decision into action and keep track of its
progress. To do this, it's important to create a clear and detailed plan that outlines the roles and
responsibilities of everyone involved, the necessary resources, the timeline, and any potential risks or
challenges that may arise. It's also important to use indicators and metrics, such as quality, quantity, or
satisfaction, to measure and track the progress and outcomes of the decision. This will help identify and
resolve any issues or challenges that may arise and ensure that the decision is successfully implemented.

Once the decision has been implemented, it's crucial to share the results and feedback with all
collaborators and stakeholders. Celebrate successes and learn from failures to further improve
collaboration in the future. By implementing and monitoring the decision, you can ensure that the
decision is translated into action and value, and that the collaboration is evaluated and improved.u will
ensure that the decision is translated into action and value, and that the collaboration is evaluated and
improved.

Examine and consider the method being used

The final step in collaborative decision making is to review and reflect on the process. This involves
collecting and analyzing data and feedback from collaborators and other stakeholders, assessing the
efficiency and effectiveness of the process, and evaluating the satisfaction and engagement of
participants. Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the process and learning from them is also
important. The best practices and lessons learned should be applied to future collaborations. Sharing the
findings and recommendations with collaborators and other stakeholders is essential, and their input and
suggestions should be welcomed for continuous improvement. By reviewing and reflecting on the
process, you can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the collaboration while fostering a
culture of learning and growth.

References:
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“Fairness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairness. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.
“Fair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fair. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.
“Equality vs Equity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-
webster.com/grammar/equality-vs-equity-difference#:~:text=Equity%20refers%20to%20fairness%20or,
%E2%80%9Cwomen’s%20struggle%20for%20equality.%E2%80%9D
“Christophe Grimont. (2018). Fairness in decision making; is it that simple?”
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fairness-decision-making-simple-christophe-grimont
“Maria De- Artega. (2022) . Algorithmic Fairness in Business Analytics” , ResearchGate.com
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
362229822_Algorithmic_Fairness_in_Business_Analytics_Directions_for_Research_and_Practice,
Accessed 08 Jan. 2024.
“ Tosin Ezekiel. (2023). Unveiling Data Analysis” , meduim.com
https://medium.com/@tosinezekiel03/unveiling-data-analysis-the-significance-of-fairness-and-bias-in-
decision-making-ee21cb4f2643, Accessed 08 Jan. 2024.
What are some techniques for ensuring fair and unbiased decision-making? (2023), Linkedin.com
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/what-some-techniques-ensuring-fair-unbiased-decision-making-urzse,
Accessed 08 Jan. 2024.