Chronemics

The examination of the perception of time in a particular culture and historical period. The study of chronemics focuses on nonverbal communication. In a low-context culture, if one calls for a meeting at 14:15, participants are expected to be punctual. In other cultures, the perception of the meeting time is approximate. Social status also plays a role: Someone at the top of the organizational or social hierarchy can be late to a meeting or event and be excused because of his or her status, whereas others will be criticized for tardiness. Those lower on a hierarchy are expected and willing to wait. Chronemics is especially important for cross- or intercultural communication. A time-oriented, capitalist culture—rooted in the Industrial Revolution, which gave rise to time and motion studies—has little understanding of the lack of punctuality and organizational work habits of other countries, and vice versa.