|
Monochronic People |
Polychronic People |
|
Do one thing at a time |
Do many things at once |
|
Concentrate on the job |
Can be easily distracted and manage interruptions well |
|
Take time commitments seriously |
Consider an objective to be achieved, if possible |
|
Are low context and need information |
Are high context and already have information |
|
Are committed to the job |
Are committed to people and human relationships |
|
Adhere religiously to plans |
Change plans often and easily |
|
Are concerned about not disturbing others; follow rules of privacy and consideration |
Are more concerned with those who are closely related than privacy |
|
Show great respect for private property; seldom borrow or lend |
Borrow and lend things often and easily |
|
Emphasize promptness |
Base promptness on the relationship |
|
Are accustomed to short term relationships |
Have strong tendency to build lifetime relationships |
I read an article which had the above table characterizing Americans as Monochonic people and French as Polychronic.
Source: Adapted from Edward T. Hall, “Understanding cultural Differences: Germans, French, and Americans” (Yarmouth, ME: International Press, 1990).
