TIME ORIENTATION EFFECTS ON HUMAN PERFORMANCE IN PROCESS CONTROL

Researchers have alluded to cognitive differences between monochronic and polychronic (M/P) persons. This study was aimed at finding such differences in a process control setting. A total of 22 participants were classified as monochronic or polychronic using the Modified Polychronic Attitude Index 3 scale. Thereafter, each participant was asked to monitor and control two processes, which were either first or second order, at the same time using the Control Station software. The objective was to bring and keep both processes within the control limits at anyone time. The dependent variables were mean error, root mean square of error, number of switches between two processes, and number of magnitude changes. A 2 (process order) * 2 (Monochronic or polychronic group) * 5 (trials) ANOVA showed significant differences between monochronic and polychronic individuals. The results also showed that the mean error and root mean square of error of the polychronic group were significantly smaller than that of the monochronic group. There were no significant differences in the performance variables for the two process orders. Given the differing time orientations among cultures, these results have important implications for the selection and training of personnel in multitasking situations