Week 5: Response to "Culture Differences Concerning Time" - 10/15/2021

     This is for sure a great topic to discuss! I was introduced to the concept of monochronic and polychronic time persons. Those who are monochronic are concerned about schedules and procedures. They obey a set of written and not written rules about how sacred time is. I can't think of a better example than the "time for Tea" from England. The British are worldly well-known for how accurate they are concerning their time schedule. The polychronic on the other hand is self-orientated to preserve relationships and family. They are sensitive and are concerned to not harm other person's feelings. Obviously, Latin-Americans are the most well-known for such behavior. 

    It's fun to see how these two kinds of people interact with each other, and how they bring their paradigms with them. The monochronic one will always be upset with the lack of responsibility and contempt with law and procedures from the polychronic. And the polychronic will always think that the monochronic is too conservative and need to "relax" more often and take slow.

    I think that living in a globalized world we can see a merge between these two ways to face the world. I don't know if exists a term for this, but I will call it multichronic. I live in a big polychronic country but in our big cities like São Paulo where I live, we can find these new multichronic people. They seem to be always late for the most important meeting in their lives but can stop everything to help a family member. In their companies, the procedures are highly requested for the employees, but they will agree to contract a not high-qualified person to a job position due to their connection to a family member. 

    I think that exists a balance, and the multichronic is the closest to it. People are not just numbers, I need to take care of them, especially those who I love the most, my family. Sometimes a procedure to follow is less important than a person's to be healed.  But being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I understand the importance of law, procedures, and order. I actually committed myself to live in accordance with it. But no matter if a mono/poly or multi chronic orientated person, we don't need to equal. Our fingers aren't and we use them all. We just need to learn with respect and to work with makes us stand and shine. If each one of us was able to give our best, to respect the differences we would transform the world into a better place to live in!