10.13.21 Week 5: Response to Cultural Differences Concerning Time

Cultural Differences Concerning Time

A Monochronic World 

    In a monochronic world, time is linear and only one event can happen at once. Any interruption or delay is a major inconvenience and should be avoided. Being on time and maintaining a regular schedule is more important that human relationships. An example of this would be Doctors or Dentist appointments. When you make an appointment, you are expected to be 10-15 minutes early or on time at the least. If you fail to make it there on time, you will be charged a fee for the wasted time that you cost the office and Doctor. 

A Polychronic World

    In a Polychronic world, family and human relationships take utmost importance.  Time in a polychronic world has more fluidity. More than one thing can be done at once and setting appointments will be at a much wider view of time. As long as the different tasks you have can be done in a natural rhythm, you can do them at the same time. Doctors or Dentist appointments can be changed at any moment, and you can go in on a day that is convenient for you and be flexible to be seen when the Doctor has availability. 

 

    I worked at a Dentist office in the United States as a Dental Assistant. Working there, I knew the importance of having a scheduled appointment and not missing it. If you were to miss your appointment, you would be required to pay a missed or late fee of $35-$75 dollars to somewhat make up the cost of the time of the Doctor, staff and building. Likewise, you could not just walk into the office and be seen. You were required to make an appointment ahead of time and come at the scheduled time. 

    When I lived in México, I had accidentally thrown away my retainer (after having my braces removed) and I desperately needed a new one or my teeth would move out of position. I went to the nearest Dentist/Orthodontist I could find and I sat in the lobby for probably 2 hours until there was an opening and I was seen by the Dentist right away. I got an impression taken of my teeth the same day. I didn't have to schedule an appointment and come back later. This can be good in situations like this, but if there hadn't been an opening, I could have waited all day. I also experienced this same treatment anytime I needed to be seen by a doctor. I would never make an appointment. I'd find the nearest Doctor's office and wait in the lobby. If there were other people, we all sub-consciously let the most severe case go first to see the doctor and we'd all patiently wait our turn. 

    It is fascinating to me how the Cultural time differences work in different parts of the world. I have grown up in a Monochronic world and so a Monochronic time table makes the most sense to me, but I know that is not the case with the rest of the world. It is ever so important to be understanding and patient with the difference in our cultures. It is important to not take offense or get frustrated when someone's time table is different than your own. I have had to learn that. As a missionary in México, Mérida impromptu teaching appointments were always the most reliable. People were always willing to make time for us in the moment and listen to us. Setting up appointments to come back later did not always have the same impact. If I knew then what I know now about Polychronic time, I would have been more patient and understanding. I hope that anyone reading this, can also have their eyes opened and their minds enlightened. 

 What will you do to make sure that your view of time does not cloud your ability to love others and have relationships with them while also respecting their time?

References: 
Cultural Difference in Concerning Time - Brother John Ivers
Monochronic vs. Polychronic https://habitgrowth.com/polychronic-vs-monochronic/