Introducing monochronic and polychronic time

This video discusses cultural preferences on monochromic (linear, sequential, analogue) and polychromic (concurrent, multi-tasking, digital) time contrasts. These are shown in individualist, collectivistic and specialized cultures.

Time expectations across cultures are very complex. Hall’s chronemics provided the very helpful demarcation between M-time and P-time, which helps explain many cross-cultural expectations, miscommunications, and frustrations.

M-time (Monochronic) orientations typically:

• Emphasize linear, step-wise sequencing (like an analog clock)
• Prefer doing one thing at a time or meeting with one person at a time, with preference for clear beginnings and endings
• Fit well with low-context, individual- and task-oriented cultures
• Prefer process thinking, specified procedures, clear tasks, goals, objective or measurable outcomes.

• Emphasize holistic, polyphonic, synchronous action (like a digital clock)
• Prefer doing multiple things (dynamic schedules), responding to a diversity of inputs, or relating to several people at the same time
• Fit high-context, group- and relationship-oriented cultures

Take some time to recall which time modes you most frequently encounter. We hope that these M- and P-time constructs help better prepare you for which ever styles this changing world exposes you to.

Additional resources:

As a review and expansion of this step, you might find the “Characteristics and Behaviors” of M- and P-time assessment helpful at these sites:

The Concept of Time

Your Time or My Time

We also recommend the download of Jeff Burglund’s “Time (Chronemics)” entry in the Sage Encyclopedia of Intercultural Communication Competence