The Concept of Time in the Context of Intercultural Communication Issues: Punctuality as a Trend in Business Communication

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to consider the concept of time through the prism of the issues of punctuality as an important component of intercultural communication and to identify its variability in accordance with the specifics of monochrome and polychrome cultures. Research methodology. The method of typological analysis, the system method, the method of cultural-historical and comparative analysis, the method of theoretical generalisation were applied. Scientific novelty. The issue of punctuality as a business intercultural competence was studied through the prism of the specifics of the perception of time by representatives of monochrome and polychrome cultures (according to E. Hall); the perception and understanding of time in Western and Eastern cultures in the context of the culture of business communication is examined. Conclusions. The culture of behaviour of a business person is the key to successful interaction with partners. Punctuality is a global standard and one of the most important aspects of the culture of behaviour in the business environment, indicators of the effectiveness of business communication, a measure of the ability to fulfil certain agreements on time. As one of the fundamental principles of business etiquette, punctuality is not only adherence to the schedule, but also a demonstration of respect, professionalism and reliability in relation to others. Recognised as a global standard of business communication, punctuality nevertheless varies in accordance with the specifics of the dominant temporal trend, which manifest themselves: in the tendency to plan, focus on solving one issue within a certain period of time, adhere to agreements (monochrome culture) and giving preference to attitude, the ability to perform several tasks simultaneously and adapt to circumstances (polychrome culture). Effective intercultural communication between representatives of different cultures in a single rhythm assumes the presence of common ideas about punctuality, in particular waiting time, previous time, in other words – formed business intercultural competence, which provides an opportunity to level conflict situations associated with different perceptions of time.