Question

What is the difference between monochronic and polychronic time systems? Why is it important for global managers to understand this difference?

Answer 1

To initiate effective cross-cultural business interactions, managers should know the difference between monochronic time systems and polychronic time systems because they significantly affect business communications. In monochronic cultures, time is experienced in a linear way, with a past, a present, and a future, and time is treated as something to be spent, saved, made up, or wasted. Monochronic people (Germans and Americans) generally concentrate on one thing at a time, and adhere to time commitments. In contrast, polychronic cultures tolerate many things occurring simultaneously and emphasize involvement with people. Polychronic people (Latin Americans and Arabs) focus on several things at once, are highly distractible, and change plans often.