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W05 Blog: Culture Differences Concerning Time (5/19/22)


  

What is really important to us? What do we value most?  What is our order of priority? For example, let's talk about time. For some people is a resource of great value, keeping to a schedule is of utmost importance. If this is the case for you then, you are monochronic type. In the other hand, if you like to be more flexible with your time, you don't have problems with changing schedules then, you are a polychronic one.

Living in a Latin American country - Venezuela - I have witnessed how time, punctuality and schedules take a back seat. Because of this I decided to develop patterns to help me handle certain situations. For example, when a scheduled meeting is coming up, I send a reminder a day before or a couple of hours before to confirm and remind me of the gathering. However, I have learned that I have to know who to use this pattern. Polychronic people will thank you for this reminder as they probably didn't remember, overlooked it or scheduled another appointment; on the other hand, because monochronic people take their time very seriously, a reminder maybe not necessary, and they may see it as offensive. 

I remember the first time I had my first polychronic student. Two hours before the lesson, I sent her a reminder. At the beginning of the class she told me that the reminder was not necessary as she was a serious and punctual person with a somewhat annoyed tone. I then explained to her that I send these reminders to all my students because it was my custom. However, I understood her point of view and, I said her I would not send her any other reminder. We saw about 30 lessons and, she was never late. She was always on time and with her homework done. Since then, before sending reminders I consult with my students whether they want me to do it or not. 

What type of time do you live in your country or your cultural paradigms? I live in a polychronic one but I love the agenda and organizing my tasks for the day by lists! 

Comentarios

  1. Luana Pereira19 de mayo de 2022 a las 17:14

    I loved your post and I totally agree with you. I also come from a polychronic culture but I am a big fan of plans and being organized.

    ResponderEliminar

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