Eastern and Western Perception on the concept of Time

Eastern and Western Perception on the concept of Time





Physics Summer Class 2014








Time is not the same in every culture or country. China’s concept of time is a circular concept and Americans is a linear concept. Americans thought of time is past, present and future. Eastern cultures tend to look back in time or focus in the past.

Since I am studying Traditional Chinese Medicine it will benefit me to understand the difference between Western and Eastern concept of time. After reading the handout given in physics and a little research I found out the following.

Western View

Western view of time is time is money. Time is a commodity real value. Time can be measured and lost. American culture insist we keep up with the times, look to the future, history is not important…work hard now and be successful…new is better than old…change means progress. Americans are more innovative and Chinese tend to stick to traditions and what works.

Eastern View

Eastern society uses time more freely or with uncertainty.  They quote old sayings frequently. Solve problems by first examining the past to find solutions. Chinese honor and respect the elderly and value their company and wisdom, while American culture tends to view the old as useless and want to have them retire from work as they age. Chinese Acupuncturist seem to never retire. They can be 87 years old and still practicing.

Definition of  Cultural Time concepts

Polychromic Time:

“Polychronic cultures like to do multiple things at the same time. People are their main concern (particularly those closely related to them or their function) and they have a tendency to build lifetime relationships. Issues such as promptness are firmly based on the relationship rather than the task and objectives are more like desirable outcomes than must do's.

Monochromioc Time: 

“Monochronic cultures like to do just one thing at a time. They value a certain orderliness and sense of there being an appropriate time and place for everything. They do not value interruptions. They like to concentrate on the job at hand and take time commitments very seriously.”

My Viewpoint



Each cultural view of time has its pros and cons. I really appreciate Eastern value of the elderly and their wisdom. In addition, in moving toward the future with developments, Westerners are  great at planning for the future and meeting deadlines. Eastern focus on the process and Westerners focus importance in getting it done on the deadline. Both eastern and westerners need to be aware cultural difference in time and implement some of each others concepts of time. This will allow us to be more effective in communication and working together in business or projects


Reference:
http://thearticulateceo.typepad.com/my-blog/2011/08/cultural-differences-monochronic-versus-polychronic.html