Monochronic and polychronic cultures
Monochronic vs polychronic time:
“Monochronic time is linear, tangible, and divisible. Events are scheduled one item at a time and this schedule takes precedence over interpersonal relationships. In polychronic time, we see the simultaneous occurrence of many things and a great involvement with people.” (Edward T. Hall)
Researcher Edward T. Hall observed and described cultural variations in how cultures understand and use time. He characterised them as:
- Monochronic time cultures (M-people) who tend to:
- view time in a linear way
- view time as a scarce resource (time is money etc)
- respect scheduling, appointments and punctuality
- place an emphasis on getting thing done as quickly as possible
- view tasks as discrete activities
- complete tasks in a linear fashion (i.e. complete on task at a time in order, such as completing task 1 before starting task 2)
- have a task orientation (i.e. value individual initiative and personal achievement).
The U.S., Israel, Switzerland, and Germany are examples of monochronic cultures.
- Polychronic time cultures (P-people) who tend to:
- view time as flexible (the focus is on taking time to pay attention to the needs of the people they are interacting with)
- view time as a plentiful resource, therefore meetings may start late or run overtime and schedules and priorities are flexible
- place an emphasis on creating and maintaining harmonious relationships, and therefore allow "off topic" conversations
- work on a number of tasks at the same time
- have a socio-emotional orientation (i.e. value maintaining relationships and team harmony above task accomplishment).
Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America are examples of polychronic time cultures.
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