CHRONEMICS
Presented by : Gumunyu T.B and Ziyambi D.K
(R224870p) (R2217604N)
INTRODUCTION
Time-based communication cues are known as chronemics and
involve the use of time to convey nonverbal messages.
DEFINITION
Griffin (2000) defines chronemics as the study of the role of
time in communication.
Chronemics is the study of human tempo as it is related to
communication, (Lewis and Nick 2003).
Chronemics is the study of the use of time in nonverbal
communication or one can say it looks at how we use time to
communicate.
Chronemics is divided into two categories: monochronism and
polychronism.
MONOCHRONISM
Monochronism is the belief that there is only one correct way to
use time.
This belief leads to a focus on
- punctuality
- schedules,
- deadlines.
Hall (1989) says a monochronic culture is treated as the only
‘logical’ way of treating life.
People who subscribe to this belief tend to be more task-
oriented and often view time as a commodity.
Monochronism is a linear view of time where people prefer to
do one thing at a time and complete it before moving on to the
next task.
POLYCHRONISM
Polychronism is the belief that there is more than one
correct way to use time. This belief leads to a focus on
- relationships,
- multitasking,
- flexibility.
Polychronic groups handle multiple tasks and processes
concurrently, like jugglers (Hall, 1966)
People who subscribe to this belief tend to be more
people-oriented and often view time as a resource.
Polychronism is a nonlinear view of time where people
prefer to do multiple things at the same time.
CHRONEMICS
Burgoon, et al (2003) say time signify higher status and power;
those who keep others waiting or those who give others short
lead time are seen as more powerful than those who wait or who
must meet short deadlines.
Time can be used to communicate many different messages,
including messages about power, distance, status, trust, and
closeness. The way that time is used can also affect the way that
people perceive messages.
- e.g. A parent picking up a child late from school can be
coming from a afar/ doesn’t care/ is boastful etc.
- the time at when a speaker is introduced convey
information about the hierarchy, power and status.
CONT’D
The time at which something happens is very important in communication.
Without saying something one can get a message from that.
In some cases, the time of day can dictate whether or not a communication
will be successful.
For example, if you try to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your
boss first thing in the morning, they may not be receptive since they are
likely busy getting ready for their day.
It is important to be aware of the various aspects of nonverbal
communication, also known as body language, in order to better
understand yourself and the messages you are sending.
- Hurriedness can show/tell that someone is late or just time
conscious.
- Slowness can show/tell that some has enough time to do whatever the
task to be done.
- Both of the above can also show attitude.
When communicating, it is important to be aware of the
aspect of time in relation to the message being conveyed
Time in communication can play a big role in how a
message is interpreted.
For example, if someone is running late for an
appointment, the person they are meeting with may
interpret this as a sign of disrespect.
There are three different kinds of time that can be used in
communication: biological time, psychological time, and
social time.
CONT’D (MORE EXAMPLES)
- "One who is in the position to cause another to wait
has power over him. To be kept waiting is to imply that
one's time is less valuable than that of the one who
imposes the wait." (Guerrero, et al. 1999)
Through studying time (chronemics) one can tell
someone’s social status from: - waiting time;
- talk time;
- work time.
Waiting time
Making an individual of a lower stature wait is a sign of dominance.
Employees of equal stature will not worry about whether they are running a few
minutes behind schedule to meet with one another.
A mid-level manager who has a meeting with the company president, a late arrival
might be a non-verbal cue that you do not respect the authority of your superior”.
Talk time:
A cultural expectation that a subordinate will not interrupt a superior.
If a subordinate happens to do that it leads to negative perceptions of the
subordinate by the superior.
Work time:
As power and status in an organization increases, the flexibility of the work
schedule also increases.
Individuals who spend more time, especially spare time, to meetings, to
committees, and to developing contacts, are more likely to be influential decision
makers”.
REFERENCES
1. Burgoon, J. K., & Bacue, A. E. (2003). “Nonverbal
communication skills”. In J. O. Greene & B. R. Burleson (Eds.),
“Handbook of communication and social interaction skills” (pp.
179–219). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
2. Griffin, E. (2000). A First look at Communication Theory (4th
ed). Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
3. Guerrero, Laura K., DeVito, Joseph A.,Hecht, Michael L. (Eds.)
(1999). ”
The nonverbal communication reader: classic and contemporary
readings
”. Prospect Heights, Ill. : Waveland Press
4. Hall,E.T, (1966). The Hidden Dimension. Garden City, New
York: Doubleday.
5. Hall, E.T, (1989). Beyong culture (2nd ed). Garden City, New
York: Anchor books.
