Solution
Critical thinking
Critical thinking involves thinking clearly and rationally, analysing facts and arguments and understanding logical between ideas (Elder and Paul, 2020). According to CIPD Profession Map, people professionals have core knowledge such as evidence-based practice and people practice. For this reason, people professionals need critical thinking to appraise evidence and select the best possible evidence to make a decision. They also need critical thinking to avoid making biased decision in people practice functions like rewarding and resourcing.
Principles
Considering unconscious bias – Critical thinkers should not hold beliefs or social stereotypes that some groups are better or superior than others (Acas, 2023). For example, an HR manager should not think that men works harder than women and fail to promote equality during hiring process.
Checking source validity – Figuring which information is important for decision making is a challenge for critical thinkers. Critical thinkers need to check where information come from, analyse the source reliability, accuracy, currency and authority.
Objective rational thinking – Objective reasoning is about having a logical consideration of all situation (Fitriani et al., 2020). Critical thinkers should not make decisions based on their personal feelings, but should be self-aware of their minds and focus solely on evidence.
Using critical thinking to develop my own ideas
I would use critical thinking to develop my own ideas by being objective rational thinking. I would take time to analyse arguments, evaluate evidence and differentiate between facts and opinion. For example, when I am reading a research paper to obtain insights to support my decisions, I would start by questioning sources of information and synthesise my own arguments.
Critical thinking in considering other’s ideas
When considering other people’s ideas, I would ensure I am aware of unconscious bias. For example, in a group discussion, I will treat everyone fairly by giving them equal opportunities to participate as well as take equal roles. People can think in a manner that include unconscious bias, but it is crucial to be aware that everyone should be treated equally and fairly.
Assisting rational and objective debate
Critical thinking is importance in rational and objective debate. Examples of how I can use critical thinking is by presenting evidence and take careful notes of their logic and information. I would listen carefully to what they are saying, question facts and try to understand the logic between ideas presented.
Please click the icon below to access this assessment in full