Cultural Differences Concerning Times

 2/3/2021

Week5

Response to"Cultural Differences Concerning Time"

 “Time is gold so make available for those who think you are a precious put others for unavailable” Is this quote applicable in any situations? In different countries and cultures view and use time differently. According to brother Ivers a teacher in BYU-Idaho we live in a time of Monochronic and Polychronic. Let me differentiate the differences between Monochronic and Polychronic time.

 Polychronic time orientation refers to the cultures where people tend to view time as a fluid concept go with the “flow” of the time. A time-based schedule is followed loosely, and changes or interruptions are viewed as a normal part of the routine. Polychronic cultures value promptness differently depending on the relationship with whoever they’re meeting; they are more comfortable altering plans to fit a situation as it changes. Monochronic culture will focus on doing one thing at a time, concentrating on the job at hand without distractions, and viewing previous commitments as critical, and not optional. Monochronic also emphasizes the value of being prompt no matter what, keeping to plans as best they can.

What kind of time cultural views in the Philippines? I remember I was invited to have a class meeting at 2 pm I traveled 1 hour to get into the venue as I got there no other people except me so I text the person who invited me if the meeting is canceled, she replied ‘we’re on our way’ I waited for almost an hour before the meeting got started. Another example base on my experience I went to an agency where I need to get my lab test result that is already paid at 9 am but the desk officer’s friend came they talk for an hour so I finished my transaction with her at 9:30 am. One thing I love about the Philippine views of time is that Family came first, I remember when I went to my father at his work-place he immediately stopped his work and attend to my concern he did undertime and together we went back home. I know how important he was at work because he manages people, in that moment I realized how precious I am to my father. In Polychronic cultures relationship is important.

I used to live in Japan for almost 6 years, I experience different kinds of work in a company one time I called my boss because of some reason I can’t start the work on time I was 5 minutes late so I was deducted 30 minutes in my work time. Japanese people tend to plan events, appointments meticulously. One time I attended a family gathering activity I asked my Japanese friend ‘where’s your husband’ she answered ‘he is at work all the time’ her smiling face changes into a frowning one.

In the conclusion doesn’t matter how we view and use our time differently what matters is that who matters most of our time. To paraphrase according to Stephen R. Covey an American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker, to have success in any field we must give importance to our relationship. Boyd K. Packer a member of the quorum of the twelve apostles of the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints’ once said, “Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families.”