CONCEPT OF TIME One of the ways in which cultures differ is in how people conceive of and
handle time, and how their concept of time affects their interactions with each
other. In this activity, you are given a general description of the two poles or
extremes of this dimension— monochrome and polychrome—and then asked to
assign characteristics to one category or the other. The two poles are described
below.
Monochrome— Time is the given and people are the variable. The needs of people are
adjusted to suit the demands of time—schedules, deadlines, etc. Time is
quantifiable, and a limited amount of it is available. People do one thing at a time
and finish it before starting something else, regardless of circumstances
Polychrome— Time is the servant and tool of people. Time is adjusted to suit the needs of
people. More time is always available, and you are never too busy. People often
have to do several things simultaneously, as required by circumstances. It's not
necessary to finish one thing before starting another, nor to finish your business
with one person before starting in with another.
TASK 1. The underlined blank space before each of the behaviors or characteristics listed below, put "M" if you think it is more likely to apply to a where time is monochronic and "P" if it is polychromic.
