Explain one of the differences between monochromic and polychromic time systems. Use an example to illustrate their differences and the role of time in intercultural communication. See below and include info... to initiate effective cross-cultural business interactions, managers should know the differ- once between monochromic time systems and polychromic time systems and how they affect com- medications. hall and hall explain that in monochromic cultures (Switzerland, Germany, and the united states), time is experienced in a linear way, with a past, a present, and a future, and time is treated as something to be spent, saved, made up, or wasted. Classified and comport- metalized, time serves to order life. This attitude is a learned part of western culture, probably starting with the industrial revolution. Monochromic people, found in individualistic cultures, generally concentrate on one thing at a time, adhere to time commitments, and are accustomed to short-term relationships. in contrast, polychromic cultures tolerate many things occurring simultaneously and me- phases involvement with people. Two Latin friends, for example, will put an important con- variation ahead of being on time for a business meeting, thus communicating the priority of relationships over material systems. polychromic people—Latin Americans, Arabs, and those from other collectivist cultures—may focus on several things at once, be highly distractible, and change plans often. 51 the relationship between time and space also affects communication. Polychromic people, for example, are likely to hold open meetings, moving around and conducting transactions with one party and then another, rather than compartmentalizing meeting topics, as do monochromic people. The nuances and distinctions regarding cultural differences in nonverbal communication are endless. The various forms are listed in exhibit 4-3; wise intercultural managers will take careful account of the role that such differences might play. What aspects of nonverbal communication might have created noise in the interactions be- teen the German supervisor and the Indian employee in exhibit 4-2? Undoubtedly, some cues could have been picked up from the kinesics behavior of each person. it was the responsibility of the manager, in particular, to notice any indications from the Indian that could have prompted him to change his communication pattern or assumptions. Face-to-face communication permits the sender of the message to get immediate feedback, both verbal and nonverbal, and thus to have some idea as to how that message is being received and whether additional information is needed. What aspects of the Indian employee’s kinesics behavior or paralanguage might have been evident to a more culturally sensitive manager? Did both parties’ sense of time affect the communication process?