Time and Space Patterns (American Culture)

Time Punctuality

Promptness is important in American business, academic, and social settings. A culture that values times may feel frustrated in a country where work proceeds at a slow pace. People who keep their appointments are considered dependable and if they are late to job interviews, appointments, or classes, they are often viewed as unreliable and irresponsible. Calling on the telephone if one is going to be more than a few minutes late for scheduled appointments is considered polite.

Generally, Americans are taught to do one thing at a time and may be uncomfortable when an activity is interrupted. The idea that "there is a time and place for everything" extends to American social life. Visitors who "drop by" without prior notice may interrupt their host's personal time. Calling the host on the telephone before visiting is generally preferred.

A. American :
     People tend to come to their appointment on time or at the expected time.
B. Indonesian :
     The culture or "rubber time" or known as "ngaret" often found almost on any social settings.

Future Orientation

A future orientation is a characteristic of American culture. The society encourages people to look to the future rather than to the past whether it's about their technology, social, artistic trends. They tend to change rapidly and affect people's lifestyles and their relationship. Given this tendency toward change, its not surprising that tradition plays a limited role in American culture. Those who try to uphold the traditional patterns of living may seen "old fashioned". 

In a society where change is so rapid, it's not uncommon for every generation to feel a "generation gap". Sometimes parents struggle to understand the values of their children. Even religious institution have had to adapt to contemporary needs of their followers. Some American believe that the benefits of the future orientation are achievement and progress which enable them to have a high standard of living, while others don't.

A. American : The tradition or culture of the USA is primarily of Western culture (European) origin and form, but is influenced by a multicultural ethnic (African, Native American, Asian, Polynesian, and Latin American).