Time Management Across Cultures

Time management presents a very large challenge to multicultural teams and global organizations alike.

The most common complaints I hear from global managers are that deadlines are missed, emails go unanswered, and that it just doesn't seem like the foreign [client, partner, employee] really understands what's at stake. Unfortunately, judgments are often made that attack the other person's character or capabilities without understanding why these behavioral differences occur. Research has shown time and time again that the values we hold influence and drive our behaviors. So, attacking the behavior (he's never on time to meetings) doesn't do much good. We must seek to understand the value differences behind it all.

Within intercultural communication, there are 2 main ways of viewing time - Strict Time & Flexible Time. (Strict time is also referred to as Monochronic time, while Flexible time is referred to as Polychronic time).

People who see time as strict believe that time is controllable, linear, and sequential. Human activity is determined by clocks and calendars, and being on time (or even early) is seen as the best way of managing time.

People who view time in a flexible way believe that time is fluid, circular, and adaptable. Human activity is determined by people and situations, and being late is something that is forgivable, as things (and relationships) may get in the way.

Our failure to understand the VALUES that drive business behaviors is a major cause of lack of alignment and lack of team effectiveness. Learning about differences alone is not enough.

We must understand the why and then adapt. ⭐️

Nicole Barile is Founder of NB Intercultural, a full-service intercultural training company preparing organizations for the future of global work. For more information on intercultural training for your leaders, teams, and international assignees, reach out to hello@nicolebarile.com.

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