Categories and Types of Diversity Social-category differences Race Ethnicity Gender Age Religion Sexual orientation Physical abilities Differences in knowledge or skills Education Functional knowledge Information or expertise Training Experience Abilities Differences in values or beliefs Cultural background Ideological beliefs Personality differences Cognitive style Affective disposition Motivational factors Organizational- or community-status differences Tenure or length of service Title Differences in social and network ties Work-related ties Friendship ties Community ties In-group memberships What Differences Make a Difference? (PDF)