Culture Might Influence the Perception of Time.

¶ … culture might influence the perception of time. Provide an example from two cultures and explain how each culture differs in its members' perception of time.

Perceptions of time: An intercultural comparison

The United States is a clock time-focused society, particularly in regards to business activities. Events during the workday are supposed to happen at an appointed hour, in most instances. When the local Starbucks posts that it will open at 9am, its customers are restless if it is still closed at 9:15am. In contrast, in many other cultures, specific demarcations of time are not rigorously observed. In other cultures, 'event-based' time is of greater priority -- whatever event happens to draw the focus of the participants in the moment is given greater weight than the fact that the clock says it is time to begin a particular activity (Brislin & Kim 2003: 366).

Punctuality is important in the United States, in contrast to cultures (such as Middle Eastern or Latin American cultures) in which 15 or 20 minute lateness is not considered 'late' at all (Brislin & Kim 200:3 367). Culturally, this can cause conflicts, given that someone who does not make completing tasks at specific times or does not come punctually to work may be seen as less-than-committed to the job. Socialization is also given a great priority in certain cultures. Before a negotiation commences, it might be expected that the participants exchange gifts and pleasantries before 'getting down to brass tacks.' In communitarian cultures, this interpersonal exchange is just as important as what is explicitly stated during a meeting (Brislin & Kim 2003: 368). This is one notable distinction which exists between American and community-focused Japanese culture.

While Japanese culture, like American culture, is punctual as a rule, it is also far less individualistic. The need to affirm relationships before, during, and after a negotiation is just as important as anything expressed explicitly in dialogue. This emphasis on community values also reflects a more polychromic notion of time, in which more than one thing is being affirmed during a single incident -- agreeing to do something is not simply a good business decision, but is also perceived as paving the way for a long-term relationship.

Although Japan may be a 'workaholic' nation like the United States, this derives less from a sense of individualistic self-betterment and more from wishing to honor community expectations (Brislin & Kim 2003: 371). Values such as honoring one's social obligations, becoming part of a fabric of a community and filial piety are not completely absent in the U.S., but are given far less emphasis and are thus far less significant in motivating behaviors and shaping attitudes towards time (Lu, Gilmour, & Kao 2001: 487).