When we speak of "diversity" in the social sciences, we refer to a wide range of dimensions along which individual differences can be measured. Each dimension has different dynamics and implications.

Demographic diversity includes characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity, and race. These dimensions have received particular attention in organizational and societal contexts because of historical inequalities and current discrimination based on these characteristics (Tsui, Egan, & O'Reilly, 1992).

Cognitive diversity is linked to differences in perspective or information-processing style. It can significantly influence the team's capacity for innovation and problem-solving (Horwitz & Horwitz, 2007).

Diversity of values implies differences in what individuals consider to be their guiding principles, often leading to divergent ideas about what actions to take or how a community should function (Jehn, Northcraft, & Neale, 1999).

The term "community" is also a multi-faceted concept, with definitions varying according to context.

A geographic community is defined by spatial parameters and comprises individuals living in a specific area (Theodori, 2001).

A community of interest is made up of individuals who share a common interest or passion. These communities often transcend geographical boundaries and can exist entirely online (Wellman & Gulia, 1999).

A community of identity or culture refers to a group of individuals who share common characteristics or experiences that shape their understanding of the world (Cohen, 1985).

The concept of a "community of values" fits into the broader framework of identity or cultural communities. A community of values comprises individuals who share a set of deeply held values, beliefs, or principles. These shared values help shape the group's identity and influence its collective actions and decisions (Etzioni, 2001).

Demographic diversity can impact the well-being of individuals within a community or workplace. By way of illustration, we have shown that perceived workplace discrimination can negatively impact workers' well-being and that this effect can be exacerbated or mitigated by the specific demographic composition and dynamics of the workplace (Boulet, Lachapelle and Keiff, 2022).

This reinforces the idea that it's not enough to have diversity - the social context and relationships within the community play a decisive role in establishing whether diversity leads to positive outcomes, such as increased creativity and innovation, or negative ones, such as conflict and decreased well-being.

Diversity" and "community" are, therefore, multi-faceted concepts and interactions between the different dimensions of these concepts can significantly influence outcomes. Context - be it a workplace, a geographic community, or an online space - also plays a role in mediating these interactions.

For example, the benefits of cognitive diversity (i.e., differences in perspectives or information-processing styles) can be particularly pronounced in teams focused on problem-solving or innovation. A team with a variety of perspectives is often better equipped to generate new ideas and solutions (Horwitz & Horwitz, 2007).

However, the benefits of cognitive diversity may be less evident in the context of a team or community where shared understanding and rapid, cohesive decision-making are paramount. In such cases, differences in perspective can lead to misunderstanding or conflict, hampering effective teamwork.

Demographic diversity (e.g., differences in age, gender, and ethnicity) could bring a wealth of experience and perspectives to a community or team, fostering creativity and innovation (Richard & Susan, 2011). But if demographic diversity leads to perceived discrimination, it can negatively affect worker well-being (Boulet, Lachapelle & Keiff, forthcoming).

When it comes to communities, the dynamics can be very different depending on the type. In a geographic community, diversity in terms of age, ethnicity, or socio-economic status can lead to a more prosperous, more dynamic community. Still, it can also pose problems in terms of social cohesion or resource distribution. In a community of interest or a community of values, diversity may revolve more around differences in ideas or interpretations linked to the shared interest or values, leading to different dynamics.

The essence of my point, then, is that there is no single approach to understanding the dynamics and implications of diversity and community. And, as is often the case, the researcher needs to situate himself epistemologically.

References:

• Boulet, M., Lachapelle, M., & Keiff, S. (2022). Demographic diversity, perceived workplace discrimination and workers' well-being: context matters.
• Cohen, A. P. (1985). The symbolic construction of community. Routledge.
• Etzioni, A. (2001). The Monochrome Society. Princeton University Press.
• Jehn, K. A., Northcraft, G. B., & Neale, M. A. (1999). Why differences make a difference: A field study of diversity, conflict and performance in workgroups. Administrative science quarterly, 44(4), 741-763.
• Horwitz, S. K., & Horwitz, I. B. (2007). The effects of team diversity on team outcomes: A meta-analytic review of team demography. Journal of Management, 33(6), 987-1015.
• Richard, O. C., & Susan, C. M. (2011). Racial Diversity, Business Strategy, and Firm Performance: A Resource-Based View. Academy of Management Journal, 43(2), 164-177. doi:10.2307/1556374
• Theodori, G. L. (2001). Examining the effects of community satisfaction and attachment on individual well-being. Rural Sociology, 66(4), 618-628.
• Tsui, A. S., Egan, T. D., & O'Reilly III, C. A. (1992). Being different: Relational demography and organizational attachment. Administrative Science Quarterly, 549-579.
• Wellman, B., & Gulia, M. (1999). The network basis of social support: A network is more than the sum of its ties. Networks in the Global Village, 83-118.

Dear Sebastien Keiff

Thanks for your answer.

This entail recognition, respect and appreciation of the social and cultural differences that exist among people in terms of their identities, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and values. A community is a group of people who share a common interest, purpose, and who interact with each other on a regular basis. A diverse community is one that includes and respects the diversity of its members, and that fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual learning.