Time After Time

When you tell an American co-worker that you need something ASAP, it’s generally understood you need it "right now." When working with a colleague from another country, however, you might not get the same results, as different cultures have different concepts of time.

In general, there are two classifications of how cultures process time: monochronic, which is common in Anglo-Saxon cultures, and polychronic, commonly associated with Latin American, Middle Eastern and African cultures.

In monochronic cultures, workers like to plan and schedule things and are usually goal-oriented. They usually focus on one thing at a time, concentrating on time and efficiency and minimizing distractions. They tend to be careerist and optimistic in nature ("I can do that"). Appointment times are rigid, and is measured by hours and minutes. Monochronic cultures are often described as those in which its workers "live to work, rather than work to live."

By contrast, polychronic cultures are more fatalistic in nature and often pursue more than one priority at a time. They have a relaxed attitude about time, believing it to be enjoyed, not controlled. Time is measured in tasks, rather than in hours and minutes. Appointment time is flexible, not rigid. Polychronic cultures are often described as those in which its workers "work to live, rather than live to work."

When scheduling appointments or setting deadlines, consider whether your colleague is working within a monochronic or polychronic time frame. It will save a lot of misunderstanding and frustration for everyone involved.

Sources:
IABC