In The Culture Map, Erin Meyer introduces the Scheduling dimension, contrasting linear-time cultures with flexible-time cultures. Understanding these differences is essential to lead multicultural teams with empathy, reduce friction, and improve collaboration across diverse time expectations.
Time isn’t experienced the same way everywhere – it’s shaped by culture. How one perceives time matters in Global Leadership.
The Scheduling dimension describes how different cultures view and manage time: linear-time (structured and sequential) vs. flexible-time (fluid and adaptable).
Comparing Scheduling Customs Around The World
- Flexible-Time
- The estimated time required to do something tends to be optimisticHierarchy can play a role in determining who has the authority to change schedules or agendasThey value adaptability and may adjust plans as situations evolve
- Applies to countries like Mexico, Brazil, Latin America, and China, which lean toward this end of the spectrum
- Linear-Time
- People prefer to emphasize punctuality, detailed planning, and efficient meetingsThe saying “Time is money” is essential here – this relates to Hofstede’s dimension of short-term orientation, which focuses on quick results, innovation, and changeAlso related to being task-oriented, which places a high value on punctuality and time management
- This includes countries like the US, Japan, the UK, and Germany
Four Key Takeaways on Scheduling for Leaders
- Time Structure Varies by Culture: Linear-time cultures value punctuality and detailed planning, while flexible-time cultures prioritize relationships, context, and adaptability
- Deadlines vs. Flexibility: In linear-time cultures, a missed deadline signals poor performance – a strict adherence to schedules dominates the business world. In flexible-time cultures, it may reflect responsiveness to shifting priorities or relational dynamics, which can be seen as part of a collaborative process
- Meeting Management Requires Cultural Sensitivity: A rigidly timed meeting can feel rushed or impersonal in flexible-time cultures – conversely, an open-ended meeting may seem chaotic in linear-time societies
- Project Planning Needs Dual Awareness: In multicultural teams, blend structure and flexibility, so add buffers, revisit priorities, and adjust plans without losing alignment
Improving Time Awareness For Leadership
Leadership Means Adapting, Not Enforcing. Effective leaders observe team preferences and adapt accordingly. Rather than impose a “right” approach to time, they create shared norms that respect diversity.
- With linear-time cultures, make sure to respect deadlines, be precise, explain delays clearly, and stay focused to avoid wasting time
- In flexible-time cultures, support realistic timelines, ensure follow-through, and value quality, relationships, and risk management over rigid deadlines
- There’s a third perspective worth noting: cyclical-time cultures, where time is seen as circular and life follows natural rhythms rather than human control
- This practice is common in many Asian, African, and Indigenous communities, where people adapt to time rather than manage it
Understanding the Scheduling dimension can help leaders design cross-cultural workflows that respect both structure and adaptability. It can also allow them to lead with awareness in multicultural environments – especially when managing across time zones, regions, and expectations.
Remember, intercultural competence needs to be considered at various levels or applied across different contexts.
As this post closes our Culture Map series, one must remember that culturally intelligent leadership isn’t about mastering one style – it’s about knowing when to flex, adapt, and invite others into shared understanding.
