The University of Vienna has agreed on a very broad definition of “diversity”. The underlying idea is that “every human being’s individuality contributes to diversity”. Accordingly, the University of Vienna has outlined a university-wide strategic plan for the promotion and implementation of diversity and measures of diversity management are aimed at all members of the University.
In order to make diversity more tangible and comprehensible, and also to pinpoint potential discrimination, various ”dimensions of diversity“ have been developed. These dimensions represent “subcategories of diversity”. Usually, one is orientated towards the “core“ or “internal” dimensions. These, for the most part, cannot be altered by individuals and are thus taken into account by relevant equal treatment acts.
Accordingly, the main categories which comprise diversity are as follows:
In addition to these core dimensions, further factors may be introduced depending on social surroundings:
“University“ as an institution, clearly focuses on diversity of scientific topics and applied research methodologies as well as on diversity that emerges from interdisciplinary contacts and international networking. Affiliation and association also plays a role: there is a difference between a first-year student and a doctoral student, an assistant in the administration and a professor. In specific contexts, the definition of diversity on the basis of criteria such as personality, habits, income as well as educational background may provide for a better understanding.
For further information see "Layers of Diversity"
