Time As Communication

Each culture has its own LANGUAGE OF TIME. It is essential for an individual to acquaint him/herself with the local language. When we take our own time system for granted and project it onto another culture, we fail to read the hidden messages in the other time system and thereby deny ourselves vital feed-back.

MONOCHRONIC

concentrate on the job

take time commitments seriously

are low-context and need information

are committed to the job

adhere religiously to plans

are concerned about not disturbing others:
follow rules of privacy and consideration

show great respect for private property;
seldom borrow or lend

emphasize promptness

are accustomed to short-term relationships

POLYCHRONIC

are highly distractible and subject to interruptions

consider time commitments as (deadlines, schedules)
objectives to be achieved, if possible

are high-context and have information

are committed to people and human relationships

change plans often and easily

are more concerned with those who are closely related
(family, friends, business associates) than with privacy

borrow and lend things often and easily
base promptness on the relationship
have strong tendency to build life-time relationships