Clocks: Time: Expectations: Culture

I live in a house with 27 clocks.

More than half of them are running. Only 4 of them display the correct time. None of those reflect the same time, except by the hour.

Having all of these clocks was not my idea, but moving here was. So, I adjust. But it has caused me to ponder a few things. First, why would someone want all these clocks, they can't possibly need them. Second, what does that say about how we value time, or our perception of it?



The Perception of Time is Culturally Based

Yes, that's right, how we perceive the passing of minutes and hours, how we feel about time, is deeply rooted in culture. I'm talking about deep culture, not the arts. I'm talking about the way we live and experience reality, not brain research.

There are lots and lots of studies out there about this topic, but a good place to start understanding it is with Edward T. Hall's, "The Silent Language." Easy to read and full of great concrete examples and stories, Hall does a brilliant job of showing how cultural values influence our perception of time.

Monochronic versus Polychronic

Those of us who live and work in the modern, western, industrial, North American or European parts of world most likely were raised to perceive time in a monochronic way. You should do one thing at a time. Time is measured scientifically and experienced in minutes, hours, seconds, years...etc. We tend to be future oriented and use phrases like, "Time is money." or "Time is running out." It is not just a national cultural view point. Business is usually run this way. It is often seen as a more masculine trait as well.

Being on time, meaning - arriving at a location (whether it is a meeting point, or a project date) at an exact agreed upon time, is highly valued and those who are not able to get there "on time" (or even better - early), are seen as unreliable, not trustworthy, lazy, or not too bright. Or, some might go so far as saying, the person who is late just doesn't care. Any of this sound familiar?



However, people living in the southern hemisphere, South America, Southern European countries, or in several countries in Asia experience time in a very different way. It's called polychronic, meaning lots of things happening at the same time. Polychronic folks usually do several things at once, or experience time as an event, not a measurement of numbers. For example, the Japanese tea ceremony does not count how long one boils the water, whisks the tea powder or admires the bowl. It is very deliberately executed, then enjoyed. 

This again, isn't just a national phenomenon, it can be occupational. We all know that lawyers charge by the minute, but have you heard of an artist saying that? It is also thought to be a more feminine trait.

Polychronic people tend to be less rushed, more concerned with building the relationship, experiencing the situation. They also tend to be focused on the present, not thinking about what's happening later. Polychronic people tend to feel that rushing through a situation is rude, disrespectful, and almost child-like. Only children run around demanding that they be noticed first - now! One must learn to be patient and take things as they come. Does this ring any bells?

Living with the Difference

So, I have learned that I live in a very monochronic country, and for business and some social events, I need to be on time in order to maintain a good relationship and to function professionally. However, I have found that despite my up-bringing, I tend to be polychronic. I have several projects going on all at the same time (they often appear like they've been left un-done), and I don't really mind it when people are late - I'm happy they showed up!

All the clicking and chiming and clanking clocks don't bother me so much any more. I've decided not to take it personally.