III.Concept of time

MONOCHRONIC AND POLYCHRONIC

Another of the ways in which cultures differ is in how people conceive of and handle time, and how their concept of time affects their interactions with each other. In this activity, you are given a general description of the two poles or extremes of this dimension— monochronic and polychronic—and then asked to assign characteristics to one category or the other. The two poles are described below:

Monochronic—

Time is the given and people are the variable. The needs of people are adjusted to suit the demands of time—schedules, deadlines, etc. Time is measurable, and a limited amount of it is available. People do one thing at a time and finish it before starting something else, regardless of circumstances.

In monochronic cultures, such as the American, German and Swiss cultures, “the schedule is sacred,” time is viewed as a commodity where “time is money” or “time is wasted.” These cultures are committed to regimented (Regimented - регламентированный ) schedules and may view those who do not subscribe to the same perception of time as disrespectful.

Monochronic cultures include Germany, Canada, Switzerland, United States, and Scandinavia.

The United States is considered a monochronic society. This perception of time is learned and rooted in the Industrial Revolution, where "factory life required the labor force to be on hand and in place at an appointed hour".

Polychronic—

Time is the servant and tool of people. Time is adjusted to suit the needs of people. More time is always available, and you are never too busy. People often have to do several things simultaneously, as required by circumstances. It’s not necessary to finish one thing before starting another, or to finish your business with one person before starting in with another.

Polychronic cultures are much less focused on the preciseness of accounting for each and every moment. They are more focused on relationships, rather than watching the clock. People have no problem being “late” for an event if they are with family or friends, because the relationship is what really matters. They are not ruled by precise calendars and schedules. Moreover, they often schedule multiple appointments simultaneously so keeping on schedule is an impossibility.”

Polychronic cultures include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Mexico, Philippines, India, and many in Africa.

Predictable patterns between cultures with differing time systems

In the underlined blank space before each of the behaviors or characteristics listed below, put “M” if you think it is more likely to apply to a culture where time is monochronic and “P” if it is polychronic.

Characteristics & behaviors

1. ____ Time is money.

2. ____ To be late is rude.

3. ____ Schedules are sacred.

4. ____ The focus is on the task, getting the job done.

5. ____ Being made to wait is normal.

6. ____ Interruptions are life.

7. ____ Plans are fixed, once agreed upon.

8. ____ This attitude is consistent with an individualist viewpoint.

9. ____ The focus is on the person, establishing a relationship

10. ____ This attitude is consistent with a collectivist viewpoint.

11. ____ Deadlines are an approximation.

12. ____ To be late is to be late.

13. ____ Focus on the internal clock.

14. ____ Plans are always changing.

15. ____ Having to wait is an insult.

16. ____ People are never too busy.

17. ____ Interruptions are bad.

18. ____ People stand in line.

These behaviors are more commonly associated with the monochronic world view:

1—time is just time for polychronic types

2—being on time is important for monochronic types

3—monochronic time depends on schedules

4—monochronic time thinks less about people, more about goals

7—changes in plans upset monochronic people who live by their plans

8—because it takes other people into account less than polychronic time

15—because being late is rude in monochronic time

17—because they upset the schedule

18—being waited on one at a time is monochronic behavior

These behaviors are more commonly associated with the polychronic world view:

5—waiting isn’t bad in cultures where being on time is less important

6—upsetting schedules doesn’t matter where schedules aren’t that important anyway

9—people count more in polychronic time

10—in that collectivists are more attuned to needs of others, as are polychronic types

11—being on time (adhering to deadline) not as crucial in polychronic world

12—late matters less where time matters less

13—polychronic types are more in touch with the person than monochronic types

14—polychronic types can change plans more easily because they are less in the grip of schedules

16—there is always enough time in polychronic world