Culture School is in session! In this series, we take an aspect of intercultural theory and apply to daily life. Basically, our goal is to expose those cultural moonwalking bears. And because this blog is about culture and education, we consider each topic in the context of the classroom.
photo by maryatexitzero
by :: Anamaria
In the last few weeks we’ve talked about the concept of time. Before we move on to explore this topic even further, I thought it would be important for us to reflect on our own attitudes about time.
We will never be able to understand how other people perceive and use time until we have a good understanding of how we understand it. The sentences below can help us understand our attitudes towards time.
Take a look at the sentences below and decide if you agree, strongly agree, or disagree with them. If you print this activity to use later – maybe in your classroom 
-, feel free to mark each sentence with SA (strongly agree), A (agree), D (disagree).
- People should not jump into other people’s conversations. They should wait their turn.
- People who come to work sick are dedicated employees.
- People who are late with assignments or meetings don’t care about the team (or the organization).
- The most effective teams get to know each other before jumping into their task.
- People who use all of their sick leave or vacation don’t care about the business.
- People who don’t form a line while waiting are disrespectful.
- People should never drink coffee alone.
- People who check their work email during the weekend are to be praised.
- Interruptions are a fact of life. They should be expected.
- Meals should not be eaten alone.
(Adapted from an activity designed by L. Robert Kohls in Intercultural Sourcebook: Cross-Cultural Training Methods, vol. 2)
Now, look back at your answers: which ones do you think indicate a monochronic (linear) cultural influence? Which indicate more of a polychronic (flexible) cultural influence?
Next week we’ll take a closer look at what time perceptions have to do with use of space and expectations of personal relationships. In other words, what does time have to do with coffee (see #7 above)?
Until then, here are a few more time-related questions to ponder:
- Do you think, in general, you’re more of a monochronic or polychronic person?
- Do you think your answers to the 10 questions above are different from how the majority of the people who share your culture would respond?
- How about from how your immediate family would respond?
- How might context change some of your answers?
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