You are reading the Original Version (CLB5+) Read Simple Version (CLB3-4) Do you come from a culture where a 9:00 am appointment really means 9:30? In my home country, if you set a meeting for 9 am, it is not unusual for attendees to arrive from 9:15 (if you’re lucky) to 9:59. If you live in the city, it is understood that traffic is usually to blame, even if you can always set out to leave your home earlier. It gets worse for social events – it is not only fashionable to arrive late, but it is also expected that people come an hour after the stated time. Growing up, I do remember that coming late to class incurs some form of punishment or disapproval from teachers. But it was never considered a capital offense. In our minds, we knew that it was wrong but it was not that bad. Being late was usually considered only a minor inconvenience. Why is being late considered a big deal in Canada? Aside from environmental and societal realities (like traffic), the concept of time is mainly rooted in culture. To differentiate in general terms and concentrating only on the concept of time, “high context” cultures have a more flexible view of time while “low context cultures” observe rigid rules about it. Anthropologist Edward T. Hall who popularized these terms, explains that in high context cultures like countries in East Asia or Latin America, the concept of time is cyclical. They see that time that passes will come again. This is why schedules can be flexible. Also, relationships are more highly valued than tasks in high context cultures. People depend on the strength of these relationships, where values and assumptions are shared. This is why communication in such cultures can be implicit. Not every rule has to be said or written; it is assumed that everyone is on the same page. Meanwhile, in low context cultures (Canada, US, Western European countries), the concept of time is linear. These cultures see time as a limited resource. They schedule tasks for each unit of time and once it passes, it’s gone. Each minute is precious and not to be wasted. They are task-centered – a person’s effectivity is measured by how much one achieves at a given time. So time spent on interpersonal relations is more limited. Also, communication in low context cultures is explicit, meaning every detail is verbalized or written – you are told which rules to follow and what is expected. As you can guess from the description above, being on time in Canada’s low context culture means more than being on time. It also carries with it the perception of your character and capabilities. You need to adapt because: Punctuality is a matter of consideration for others. You arrive on time and follow the rules because you respect others: You don’t want to keep them waiting and waste their time. Punctuality also upholds the idea of equality. A person who is always late is seen as self-important and a rule-breaker; it is perceived that these people think that their time is worth more than other people’s time. Delays cause expense, especially in business. Deadlines are set precisely to meet production goals. If an employee cannot be at work on time, it is assumed that he gets less work done and therefore, cannot meet deadlines. This is why attendance and punctuality are among the criteria that measure an employee’s performance. By the way, in the Canadian workplace, if your work starts at 9:00 am, you are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes early so that you can start working by 9:00 sharp. Being on time says that you are: If you grew up in a high context culture, your concept of time can be so ingrained that it can be hard to change. This doesn’t mean that you are a bad person. It just means that you have a different perspective. But now that you’re in Canada, you should shift your view and attitude about time. It can be hard to break but it can be done. Try these tips: Please login to tell us what you think.Skip to:
The cultural concept of time: High context and low context cultures
So, why do you need to be on time in Canada?
It’s all about respect
Time is money
It is an indicator of character
Do you find it hard to be on time?
Sources: High and low context, Culture at work; 5 reasons why punctuality will always be relevant in your career, Robert Half; Manners and etiquette in Canada, Canada Guide; Newcomers Guide to the Canadian Workplace, Kristle Calisto-Tavares Workplace Integration of Newcomers; How to be on time every time, Dustin Wax, Lifehack; and 12 tips for being punctual – Improve your life by being on time, Daring to live fully. Accessed January 31, 2019.We'd love to hear from you!