I turned to A.I. to understand the 2023 AIA Jury of Fellows results…
Here’s what I learned:
Question 3:
“Write an analysis of an awards jury that bestows less awards to deserving individuals using criteria the jury members themselves did not achieve.”
The purpose of awards is to recognize and celebrate exceptional individuals who have excelled in their respective fields. Award juries are entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the most deserving individuals, using their expertise and knowledge of the field as criteria. However, in some cases, the jury may not bestow awards to deserving individuals, using criteria that the jury members themselves did not achieve. This situation can be frustrating for both the individuals who deserved the awards and the wider community who expect the awards to reflect excellence.
There are several reasons why a jury may not bestow awards to deserving individuals. One possible reason is that the jury may have an unconscious bias towards certain individuals or groups. For example, the jury may have a preference for individuals who come from a particular background or have a certain style or approach. This bias can prevent the jury from recognizing the achievements of deserving individuals who do not fit the preferred mold.
Another reason is that the jury members themselves may not have achieved the criteria they are using to evaluate the candidates. This can lead to a situation where the jury is using criteria that are not relevant or appropriate to the field. For example, if the jury members are academics, they may use academic publications as a criterion. However, this criterion may not be relevant for practitioners who have made significant contributions in other ways, such as developing innovative practices or mentoring other practitioners.
In such cases, the jury members may be overlooking the true value of the contributions of the individuals who deserve the award. They may be focusing too much on metrics or measurements that do not reflect the true impact of the individual's work. This situation can be frustrating for deserving individuals who have made significant contributions but are not being recognized because they do not fit the jury's specific criteria.
It is essential for awards juries to reflect on their selection criteria and ensure that they are appropriate for the field and the candidates. They should be open to feedback and criticism and willing to revise their criteria if necessary. It is also essential for the jury members to reflect on their biases and ensure that they are not preventing them from recognizing the achievements of deserving individuals.
In conclusion, awards juries play a crucial role in recognizing and celebrating exceptional individuals. However, in some cases, they may not bestow awards to deserving individuals, using criteria that are not appropriate or relevant. This situation can be frustrating for both the individuals who deserved the awards and the wider community. It is essential for awards juries to reflect on their selection process and ensure that they are appropriate. Only then can they truly celebrate excellence and inspire others to strive for greatness.
What are the reasons an awards jury may bestow less awards to deserving individuals using criteria the jury members themselves did not achieve?
There could be several reasons why an awards jury might bestow fewer awards to deserving individuals using criteria that the jury members themselves did not achieve. Here are some possible explanations:
Subjectivity: Awards are often subjective and based on individual opinions and preferences. Even if a jury member recognizes the achievements of an individual, they may not personally connect with their work or feel it is deserving of an award.
Different standards or criteria: Jury members may be using different standards or criteria to evaluate the nominees than the ones that were used to select them.
Personal biases or preferences: Jury members may have personal biases or preferences that influence their decision-making. For example, they may be more likely to give awards to individuals who share their particular perspective or style, even if other nominees are equally deserving.
Pressure from outside sources: The jury may also face pressure from outside sources, such other award stakeholders or within the organization, to select or not select certain individuals.
Lack of consensus: The jury may not have been able to come to a consensus on which nominees to recognize, and as a result, fewer awards were given out. This could happen if there is a lot of disagreement among the jury members about the relative merits of each nominee.
Ultimately, the reasons for bestowing fewer awards to deserving individuals can vary depending on the specific context and circumstances. It is important for the jury members to be transparent about their decision-making process and to provide clear reasons for why certain individuals were recognized while others were not.
Tune in next Tuesday for installment 4; the topic will be the impact of awarding fewer individuals—in our case AIA Architects nominated for Fellowship in the AIA College of Fellows—on other members in the organization, including the nominee’s sponsors, supporters and colleagues.
Let’s celebrate the 73 individuals elevated in the 2023 Class of AIA Fellows. They succeeded with an unprecedented high bar. Bravo!
