How Do The Different Cultures View Time Management?
- Brainz Magazine
- Nov 4, 2023
- 6 min read
Written by: Liu Liu, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When I did a search of time management on Brazinmagazine.com, there were 1017 pages of articles written about the subject. Why is it that Western culture is so obsessed, if I may use this word about time? In contrast, I also remembered a saying I heard when working in one of the African countries, “you have watches, but we have time.”
Although around the world, we all use 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 12 months a year as the measurement of time, this could give people an illusion that everyone around the world has the same idea about time. You can’t be more wrong.
There are many studies on the subject of how different cultures understand time. Most studies on time in cross-cultural research follow Edward T. Hall’s analysis in his book The Silent Language, and The Hidden Dimension which divides cultures into two major ways of understanding time. However, other research shows that there are actually three types of views or attitudes in relation to time worldwide. They are Linear time, Flexible time, and Cyclic time.
Here we are going to use some models to explain their differences. While you are reading, think about what your time concept is. This might really help you to understand some of the struggles you have with colleagues or clients on this issue.
Linear time
Cultures that have a linear concept of time view time as a precious commodity to be used, not wasted. They prefer to concentrate on one thing at a time and work sequentially within a clock-regulated timeframe; this appears to them to be an efficient, impartial, and precise way of organizing life—especially business. Anglo-Saxon, Germanic, and Scandinavian peoples generally live and work by a linear clock, measure time in small units, value schedules, and focus on the future.
The importance of schedules
In cultures that define time in a linear fashion, schedules are critical because they permit planning and prevent uncertainty. Since these cultures adhere to a cause/effect understanding of events and reality, schedules are considered sacred.
People from linear time cultures make appointments in small segments (15-30 minutes) and dislike lateness, because this disrupts the schedule and impacts all subsequent appointments. They prize punctuality and consider promptness a basic courtesy as well as proof of commitment. These cultures dislike interruptions and expect complete concentration on the task at hand; doing two things at once is viewed as being inattentive or may even be considered rude. For example, taking a telephone call during a meeting.
A focus on the future
People who view time in a linear way tend to study time management to learn to get more done every day. Linear cultures’ belief in the future is unshakeable—after all, the future promises greater expertise in controlling time and packing more into each time unit. These cultures also view change positively.
Flexible time
For flexible time cultures, schedules are less important than human feelings. When people and relationships demand attention or require nurture, time becomes a subjective commodity that can be manipulated or stretched. Meetings will not be rushed or cut short for the sake of an arbitrary schedule. Time is an open-ended resource; communication is not regulated by a clock.
A focus on the present
People in flexible time cultures tend to focus on the present, rather than the future (linear cultures) or the past (cyclical cultures). It’s not that they don’t value the past, nor believe in the future; it’s just that they tend to live very fully in the present.
A reluctance to measure
Although very skilled at business, many people in flexible time cultures find the intricate measurement of time or earnings performed by linear time cultures tedious and unnecessary. When pressed, they will comply with the business contingencies imposed on them by their linear business associates, but their hearts may not be in these calculations.
Cyclic time
Both linear and flexible time cultures believe they manage and control time in their own way. In cyclical time cultures, however, time manages life, and humans must adjust to time. In these cultures, time is neither viewed as linear nor as event/person related, but as cyclical, circular, and repetitive. The human being does not control time; the cycle of life controls people and they must live in harmony with nature and subscribe to the cyclical patterns of life. Examples of cyclical time cultures include most Asian, African, and Native American (including the Inuit) cultures.
Understanding connections
Cultures that subscribe to cyclical time seek to understand linkages and connections. Links show the wholeness of life and allow contrasts or contradictions to exist. Cyclical cultures believe that logic is not linear (cause/effect), nor people-driven, but captures the unity of human experience with the whole of life, nature, and existence.
Working with people who have different concepts about time management can be a challenge, but it's important for effective collaboration.
Here are strategies for working with individuals who have different time management preferences
Educate and learn: Encourage team members to learn from each other's time management styles. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each approach, you can collectively improve time management and work more effectively as a team.
Respect cultural differences: Recognize that different time management styles may be influenced by cultural factors. Be sensitive to cultural diversity and how it may impact perceptions of time.
Communicate openly: Start by having an open and respectful conversation about each person's time management style. Understand their perspective, and express your own. This can help create a shared understanding of each other's preferences.
Find common ground: Identify areas where your time management styles overlap. This can help establish a foundation for collaboration and reduce potential conflicts.
Flexibility: Be flexible in your approach to accommodate different time management styles. For example, if you prefer linear time management and your colleague prefers flexible time, find ways to compromise by setting clear deadlines while allowing some flexibility in how the work is done.
Set clear expectations: Regardless of time management preferences, it's essential to set clear expectations and communicate them effectively. Ensure that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities and the time frames within which tasks need to be completed.
Delegate tasks effectively: Consider the strengths and preferences of each team member when assigning tasks. Individuals with a linear time orientation may be well-suited for tasks that require strict deadlines and structure, while those with a flexible time orientation may excel in more creative and open-ended roles.
Time management tools: Implement time management tools and systems that can accommodate different styles. This may include using project management software, shared calendars, or to-do lists that allow for both structured planning and flexibility.
Regular check-ins: Schedule regular meetings or check-ins to monitor progress, address any time management issues, and provide an opportunity for team members to discuss challenges or request adjustments.
Adapt to tasks and projects: Consider the nature of the task or project when determining the most appropriate time management approach. Some tasks may benefit from a linear, structured approach, while others may be more conducive to a flexible or cyclic time orientation.
Remember that diversity in time management styles can be an asset, as it can bring different strengths and perspectives to a team. The key is to find ways to harmonize these differences and leverage them to the team's advantage.
Also, check out these related Brainz articles on working with people who have different cultures:
The importance of time management By: Michele Lee Occhipinti, Executive Contributor
The Myth Of Time Management By: Dr. Pamela Stoodley, Executive Contributor
How To Plan With A Cross-Cultural Team? By: Liu Liu, Executive Contributor
What Are The Best Ways To Coordinate A Cross-Cultural Team? By: Liu Liu, Executive Contributor
Liu Liu, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Liu Liu is a coach and manager with decades of experience, as a Cross-Cultural Intelligence Coach who specializes in helping international organizations and businesses to improve communications and cooperation among staff for better individual and team performance. He coaches managers and leaders working in a cross-cultural context to build trust, communicate effectively, and deliver results. He also coaches people on management, leadership, and career development. He is someone who helps you to imagine a greater possibility for yourself and supports you in achieving it.
As a senior manager in an international relief and development organization, he has worked with people in over 30 countries over his two-decades-long career. He uses a coaching approach to manage cross-country teams and complex programs to deliver results and impacts.
He is also an experienced trainer and facilitator who has delivered training on management-related and other subjects in over 30 countries.
With a cross-country marriage, developing a career in a second country, and working in an organization that has a reach of 50 countries, Liu Liu understands the importance and pitfalls of working cross-culturally and developing a career in an unfamiliar environment.
Liu Liu is an Associated Certified Coach(ACC), a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and an Executive Contributor to Brainz Magazine.
He holds a BA(Hon) in International Studies and an MSc in Development Management.
