# 008 Objectivity and Impartiality

Definition of Impartiality as 'presence of objectivity' given in Para 3.2 of ISO 17021 lacks clarity as in one of my recent LAC course on OHSMS, participants who are all well experienced and knowledgeable lead auditors themselves from a CB, were not clear about the distinction between the two terms. In fact many of them took both the terms to mean the same since they claimed the definition of Impartiality contains in itself the term 'Objectivity'!! I wish ISO 17021 wakes up to the confusion being caused by it and provides clear definition.

Objectivity and Impartiality are two words very similar in meaning but with very subtle, yet circumstantially meaningful, differences. Obviously both these attributes are very essential to be a good and professional auditor. Hence the following explanation.

Objectivity is all about sticking to the observable/observed facts without bias.

Impartiality is about being neutral and fairly giving all sides an equal value without bias.

They are both different methods for overcoming our personal bias.

Objectivity is seeing things as they are. Not adding one's assumptions and presumptions. Not ‘seeing’ things through a coloured glass. Not bringing in personal feeling and biases or emotions and personal desires. These feelings can easily blind one to the reality or fact. Evidences and fact will get ‘coloured’, distorted.

In the context of ISO, for example in auditing this is crucial while obtaining ‘audit evidence’.

Impartiality is very similar in that there should be no bias in taking decisions. However it includes a personal lack of favoritism as well. In the context of ISO, in auditing this is important while evaluating evidences obtained to arrive at ‘audit findings’ and pronouncing ‘audit conclusion’. One’s relationship, familiarity etc with auditee or a given situation can easily lead an auditor to be biased in deciding on non conformances, classifying them into minor/major or on recommending for certification or not.