单项选择题
| Monochronic time (M-time) and
polychronic time (P-time) represent two variant solutions to the use of both
time and space as organizing frames for activities. Space is included because
the two systems (time and space) are functionally interrelated. M-time
emphasizes schedules, segmentation, and promptness. P-time systems are
characterized by several things happening at once. They stress involvement of
people and completion of transactions rather than adherence to preset schedules.
P-time is treated as much less tangible than M-time. P-time is apt to be
considered a point rather than a ribbon or a road, and that point is
sacred. Americans overseas are psychologically stressed in many ways when confronted by P-time systems such as those in Latin America and the Middle East. In the markets and stores of Mediterranean countries, one is surrounded by other customers vying for the attention of a clerk. There is no order as to who is served next, and to the northern European or American, confusion and clamor abound. In a different context, the same patterns apply within the governmental bureaucracies of Mediterranean countries: A cabinet officer, for instance, may have a large reception area outside his private office. There are almost always small groups waiting in this area, and these groups are visited by government officials, who move around the room conferring with each. Much of their business is transacted in public instead of having a series of private meetings in an inner office. Particularly distressing to Americans is the way in which appointments are handled by polychronic people. Appointments just don’t carry the same weight as they do in the United States. Things are constantly shifted around. Nothing seems solid or firm, particularly plans for the future, and there are always changes in the most important plans right up to the very last minute. In contrast, within the Western world, man finds little in life that is exempt from the iron hand of M-time. In fact, his social and business life, even his sex life are apt to be completely time dominated. |