Compare and contrast monochronic and polychronic time orientations.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Monochronic (M-time) orientations emphasize schedules, the compartmentalization and segmentation of measurable units of time. An M-time orientation is learned and completely arbitrary; it becomes so ingrained in people that they have no other way of thinking about their world. Through compartmentalizing and segmenting time, a person's day is completely planned and scheduled, including sleep, work, and leisure. Perhaps the most important consequence of M-time is that it denies the natural context and progression of human communication.
Polychronic (P-time) orientations see time as much less tangible and stress multiple activities with little emphasis on scheduling. P-time cultures stress involvement of people and the completion of tasks as opposed to a strict adherence to schedules. In P-time cultures, schedules are not important and are frequently broken. Polychronic people can do many things at once and relationships take priority over schedules. P-timers are often distracted and tolerant of interruptions. In P-time cultures, time is not thought of as tangible and a person may be engaged in several activities, in the same space with several people, simultaneously.