Characteristics of Diversity

When we think of diversity, we often think only in terms of what we see such as skin color or sex. While these are important characteristics of diversity, diversity is much broader than that. We can think of the characteristics of diversity as primary and secondary—those that cannot be changed, and those that may change over the course of our lives.

Our definition goes beyond a listing of objective characteristics—such as age, race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, and culture—to encompass a person's talents, personal beliefs, thinking and decision-making styles.

For example, a diverse workplace can be achieved when people who work together have different:

• Education
• Backgrounds
• Decision-making styles
• First languages.

Remember these unique characteristics or differences are what make you who you are and make you invaluable to your agency and the state of Texas.