Chronemics in the Workplace: The Relationship Between Temporal Behavior and Performance of Rank-and-File Employees in Insurance Company C Head Office

Abstract

This study answers the question “How does temporal behavior influence the performance of the rank-and-file employees of Insurance Company C Head Office?’’ The researcher aimed to identify the levels of temporal behavior of rank- and-file employees, to obtain the performance evaluation grade of each employee, and to identify manifestations of temporal behavior of tasks and events in their workplace. Chronemics Theory and Adaptation Theory were used as frameworks of the study. The study is a descriptive method and quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The research was conducted to a population of 16 rank-and-file employees of Insurance Company C Head Office. Monochronic/Polychronic Self Test from an online resource, Innovations International, was administered to measure the cultural time approach of the employees. After which, results of the Performance Evaluation Test of each employee were obtained from the HR head. A key informant interview with the HR head was also conducted to know the temporal behavior of events and tasks in their workplace. All data gathered underwent statistical treatments Mean, Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient, and Eta Correlation Ratio. Results show that on the average, the rank-and-file employees were Moderately Monochronic. The employees tended to be monochronic in fulfilling job responsibilities and polychronic when relating with the people. However, it was found that there was no significant relationship between the performance evaluation grade given to the employees and the scores they acquired in the survey. The temporal behavior preferred by the employees did not directly affect their performance. The employees were rated on their performance evaluation sheets by their supervisors regardless or indifferent of their temporal behavior as long as the employees met the supervisors’ expectations. The researcher suggests that the methodology used in this study must be applied in all branches of the company to generalize for the whole organization. Also job descriptions of the rank-and-file employees should be identified as well to precisely know the reasons for their temporal behavior and to verify their performance evaluation grades. Finally, the study must be further related to Sikolohiyang Pilipino.