Why They're Late And What You Can Do About It
Time is a culture bound concept. Hispanic, Arab, African and Asian cultures are polychronic. They see time as fluid and flexible, with schedules secondary to relationships. American culture, on the other hand, is monochronic. They see time as rigid and inflexible, with punctuality, deadlines and schedules highly valued. How can American managers who are working with polychronic employees encourage a more time conscious work environment?
How do different cultures view time?
Monochronic People: | Polychronic People: |
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5 Ways to Encourage Punctuality and Time Consciousness
American managers who work with employees from polychronic cultures should be aware of these differences and apply techniques to encourange monochronic awareness.
1. Discuss in the hiring process. If you are hiring people from polychronic cultures, it is helpful to clearly define tasks and duties as well as standards about schedules, punctuality, deadlines and consequences for not meeting these standards.
2. Be seen. Let employees watch you work to see your pace and use of time. Be punctual yourself - The best way to teach is to lead by example. Keep to planned schedules and deadlines. Be sure to arrive on time for meetings, have a prepared agenda and stick to it, and distribute meeting minutes within 24 hours. Make unscheduled visits to see how time is being used.
3. Build relationships. Polychronic cultures are also relationship oriented. Take the time to build relationships so workers will feel personally obligated to meet deadlines and schedules. Let them know how it negatively affects the team when they aren't punctual. A personal commitment to team success is excellent motivation. Praise team member when projects and tasks are completed on time.
4. Set Dates and Targets. Be very clear about what specific deliverables are required on what specific date and/or time. Some workers may not have a clear idea of what is required of them and, for cultural reasons, not ask for clarification or question their superior. Make the dates and targets for each member clear to the entire team to get buy in from all members and to strengthen team cohesion.
5. Address the team. Saving face and group acceptance are central to polychronic cultures. If deadlines and schedules aren't met, address the entire team as an issue that affects them all. Have the team identify the reason for the missed deadline and ways to avoid it in the future. Praising an individual employee by name as standing out from his team is not desirable and may be seen as showing off, where group membership and acceptance is preferred.
