Monochronic versus Polychronic Cultures

The way different cultures see and manage time, can be described as a spectrum with monochronic or polychronic at both ends. This means we must always keep in mind that there are cultural variations in how people understand and use time. Researchers have found that individuals are divided in two groups in the ways they approach time.

Cultural Differences and Time Orientation
Monochronic individuals are those who prefer to complete one task at a time. For them, task-oriented time is distinguished from socio-emotional time. In other words, there is a time to play and a time to work. These individuals value punctuality, completing tasks, and keeping to schedules. They view time as if it were linear, that is, one event happening at a time. Examples of monochronic cultures include the U.S., Israel, Germany, and Switzerland.

Polychronic individuals, on the other hand, are more flexible about time schedules; they have no problem integrating task-oriented activities with socio-emotional ones. For them, maintaining relationships and socializing are more important than accomplishing tasks. These individuals usually see time in a more holistic manner; in other words, many events may happen at once. Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are places where the polychronic orientation prevails.

In certain cities in the U.S., it is not uncommon for us to find timetables or daily schedules for buses or trains. If the bus is to be at a certain stop at 10:09 PM, for example, one can expect that to happen at the designated time, give or take a minute. For polychronic individuals such precise timetables are mind-boggling, as many of them are simply used to going to the bus stop and waiting – not knowing whether they will be waiting for five or forty-five minutes. That is just the way things are.

This difference in time orientation is reflected in the complaints of U.S. business people conducting business in Saudi Arabia or in Mexico, for example. A big source of frustration for them is the difficulty of getting through a meeting’s agenda. That is because in these countries meetings begin with an extended socializing time in which time is spent establishing social rapport – usually over many cups of coffee or tea. Before the Roman Church and industrialization created artificial time, many European cultures were also polychronic. Some still are, like the Irish, Italians and partly French people.

In a monochronic culture, people tend to place a high value on timeliness and schedules.  They focus on the value of time, and therefore tend to have a very rigid interpretation of how to organize their schedules.  Monochronic people generally prefer to do one thing at a time and to devote their full concentration to the task at hand, whether it be completing an assignment for work or school or having coffee with a friend.  Cultures typically described as monochronic can be found in North America, Northern Europe, and parts of Asia.

Polychronic Cultures
In a polychronic culture, people tend to focus more on what they are doing than the timeframe in which it is happening.  They thrive at multitasking and are not bothered by phone calls or interruptions.  They tend to build strong personal relationships, and often see the development of this relationship as their end goal rather than the task at hand.  Cultures typically described as polychronic can be found in Latin America, Southern Europe and the Middle East.

What to Expect
In business meetings with international colleagues, it is good to have a clear understanding of the perception of time of both the host and the attendees.  When attending a meeting run by a monochronic person, it is best to arrive early and be prepared to start exactly on time.  On the other hand, in a meeting run by a polychronic person, it is possible that the meeting will be delayed and will start with the attendees catching up on each other’s personal lives in order to strengthen their interpersonal ties.  It is important when working as an expat or with expats to ensure that everyone has a clear perception of the timeline and agenda expected from the meeting so that no one leaves feeling frustrated or left out.

Quick Tips!
When you schedule a one-on-one meeting with an international colleague or have an interview in a new country, it is important to consider your perception of time and consider the time perception of the others who will be at the interview.  While it is always a good idea to show up on time for an interview, if you are planning to meet with a polychronic person, be prepared to wait or to make conversation with others around the office.  Remember, you aren’t being ignored or put off!  What may seem to be meaningless conversation to you is the first step toward building the all-important personal relationships that will help you success in a polychronic culture.  

Examples of Monochonic cultures include Germany, North America Polychronic - French; Saudi Arabia African Countries.
Source: Adapted from Edward T. Hall, “Understanding cultural Differences: Germans, French, and Americans” (Yarmouth, ME: International Press, 1990).ochronic People