February 4, 2022 : Week 05 : Response Blog to Culture Difference Concerning Time

 

               

             I grew up hearing from the people around me that employers from different countries like Filipino workers because they are willing to go beyond their own given schedules. Perhaps, they are encouraged of extra pay or overtime pay or they simply want to please their employers and fellow workers that they are indeed a race of hardworking, limitless, and caring people. They love showing affection, sharing beyond what is expected of them because they value relationships. Given a work schedule of 8am to 5pm, for example, you still see them at 6 or 7 and beyond working especially to finish their work. But I also heard that when your employees are Americans, you will see that the carpool is already empty a few minutes after 5pm as they go exactly at their given hometime. These things may be true or not, but having this mindset, I had the pride of being a Filipino saying we rule the world, but later on, I myself realized the value of time management and being able to finish specific tasks on time without putting my time with family and friends on hold. I have also realized to have an order in everything and should not be caught up in people-pleasing. My eyes are also open in learning and comprehending people from different cultures. Now, I understand that Americans have a monochronic paradigm that they give much importance to not wasting time as they follow their schedule strictly in order to work efficiently and effectively in carrying out their tasks throughout the day. People from the United States are Monochronic whereas tasks, schedules, policies, and procedures are significant. Although this mindset should also consider logic and human needs as for example, if there is an emergency or inevitable circumstance where workers need to extend time, then tolerance and compassion should at least be exercised. Also, if there is a scheduled meet-up but an emergency occurs and people cannot fulfill to come, we cannot be forceful, pushy, and grumpy to pull them to fulfill the end of the bargain. On the other hand, we can not always give justification or excuses for being late and for not showing up because if we can not do it then we should not compromise ourselves or our schedules in the first place as a show of respect to the other person. We should always put ourselves in other shoes. If we don’t want others to do unto us, we should not do it in the first place.

        As a TESOL teacher, it is imperative for me to have an awareness of the Cultural Differences Concerning Time by studying the background of my learners in the class. I should know where they come from and probably the paradigm they grow up with. I should also make a discussion on this thing in order to raise awareness among the learners and inculcate respect, understanding, and tolerance with the different cultural backgrounds. I also need to make them understand the importance of flexibility and consideration with each other. Above all, to have the zest to learn more lessons about cultural differences in order for harmony in working with each other would be easy. A person works hard to gain an education so that later on, he is capable and credible to earn a job. What should you manifest to your employer that you have a monochronic paradigm or polychromic mind-set? Which do you think will be beneficial in one’s company?

          We should always remember that our core is very important in the way we live life, we decide and act according to what our conscience dictates on us. Regardless of whether we have different cultures concerning time, it is advisable to review our objectives in every aspect of our lives. When we work, what kind of employees are we? To our families and friends, what kind of person do we want to be? To our new acquaintances, what kind of persons do we want them to remember us? We can always learn, improve and be better people in order for us to contribute immensely to the building of a great nation. We don’t end where we begin instead we can always move forward for what is better and appropriate. We need to continuously pray and seek guidance in order to address the difficulties with grit and grace.

 

What should you manifest to your employer that you have a monochronic paradigm or polychromic mindset? Which do you think will be beneficial in one’s company?