Differences in Time

The differences in the concept of time, affect our lifestyle and our doing business in another culture. For the American or Canadian unaccustomed to a culture other than his or her own, the difference in what we call "time" can be frustrating. The key is to understand the differences that cultures have regarding the concept of time.

One time value is "monochronic", which is defined as "one thing at a time. The other kind of time value is "polychronic" or time in which many things occur simultaneously.

Americans and most people in English speaking countries are monochronic or "M-time" people who concentrate on one task at a time. Other countries that are polychronic or "P-time" people more commonly engage in doing many things at the same time. Asian, Arabic and Spanish-speaking countries are more often polychronic.

Monochronic people view time as a straight line moving forward and never returning. Tasks are scheduled to happen at specific times and being "on time" is a virtue. On the positive side, viewing time this way can cause tasks to be completed in a more scheduled time period. On the negative side, M-people can become obsessed with things having to happen "on time."

Polychronic or P-people live with a more indefinite concept of time. Time is more open-ended. Time is not a precise design composed of minutes and hours. P-time can be determined by the differences in the seasons or the position of the sun in the sky. Time is a moving circle. Time not "used" is not lost because it comes around again. Deadlines do not have to be held to a precise time schedule, things can always be done later. You view scheduling by minutes as inhuman and unfriendly, robotic or machine-like. To you, this takes the spontaneity and excitement out of life.

If you are more monochronic, you consider this "casual" use of time as a weakness of character and those that are polychronic need to be "fixed." The differences in these to perspectives cause friction between people trying to work on the same task.

It may be helpful to realize that for most of the time man has been on earth, polychronic time was the standard. Industrialization brought the newer concept of precise time with tasks defined by following the clock. Time management became a standard in countries as they became more industrialized. Polychronic time gradually diminishes in business situations, as there is industrial progress.

"Mañana" means more "not now," not tomorrow. "Ahorita" does not mean right now, it means "in a while."

A major test of compatibility is the difference in the etiquette of when to arrive at a social function. It is good manners to arrive an hour to an hour and a half after the set time, if you are in polychronic culture.

Being on time for business appointments can be a little more complex. Unless "American time" is specified, both parties may not be ready for the meeting. You may be expected to be on time for an appointment, even if the person you are seeing is in the middle of another meeting or hasn't arrived. This is not considered rude or unprofessional. The burden is on your as the visitor to put up with the inconvenience. A way to deal with this wait is to take paperwork or a book or use the cell phone while you are waiting. The rule may be that things begin when everyone concerned is ready for them to begin.

Don't, however, try the polychronic time concept at the airport. The airline industry follows monochronic time. If you aren't at the airport within a reasonable time before departure, your seat can be reassigned.

One of the first cultures to follow monochronic time was the Mexican Indian. The Mayans were the world's most accurate date-keepers, with precise recording in their calendars of festivals and holidays. They documented past and future events. Aztecs viewed time as "used up" each day when the sun set.

If you have grown up in a culture that practices a different concept of time from where you currently live, you have the challenge of learning patience and understanding. Becoming bi-cultural gives us the opportunity to grow.

Sources of information for this article are from "Beyond Culture" by Edward Hall and "Mexican Etiquette and Ethics" by Boyce L. De Mente

Harriet Murray, Broker

Sources of information for this article are from "Beyond Culture" by Edward Hall and "Mexican Etiquette and Ethics" by Boyce L. De Mente

For additional information on properties for sale or lease within the bay, please call or e-mail me at: harriet@pvnet.com.mx

Thanks and until next week.