Abstract
The main objective of this exploratory study was to investigate perceived cultural differences in the perception of time among the youth and its implications for time management and productivity regarding future employment in industry. The study further sought to develop a reliable instrument for measuring time perception across cultures. A non-probability convenience sample (N=467) was drawn from English, Afrikaans and Xhosa speaking respondents, aged 13 to 18 years. Results confirmed four factors: time allocation, time economy, time attitudes and scheduling of tasks. Significant differences between age, language and gender groups on time perception were observed. These findings have implications for time management training among the youth as well as for industry seeking employees who can perform tasks with speed and efficiency. Further refinement of the instrument in follow-up studies is essential.
Highlights
The importance of utilising time efficiently is certainly not a novel idea
How well prepared are the youth for these future career demands and leadership challenges in terms of their present time perception and time management abilities? What are the time horizons and ways of thinking about time amongst the youth? These are some of the issues that need to be addressed by social researchers concerned about career success and leadership potential in the global labour market (Schuitema, 1998)
Program 2V was used to perform multi-variate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to investigate which of the sociobiographical variables were significantly related to the various time factors (Table 3)
Summary
The importance of utilising time efficiently is certainly not a novel idea. In 1757 Benjamin Franklin wrote that time is money. One of the most salient characteristics of life in the beginning of the 21st century is the frenetic pace of activities and tasks, driven by a relentless clock, in Western cultures. Time saving devices such as computers, faxes, e-mail and cell phones are increasingly becoming indispensable parts of our work and personal lives. One of the main criteria for effective leadership and a successful career is the way individuals perceive and manage their time. How well prepared are the youth for these future career demands and leadership challenges in terms of their present time perception and time management abilities? How well prepared are the youth for these future career demands and leadership challenges in terms of their present time perception and time management abilities? What are the time horizons and ways of thinking about time amongst the youth? These are some of the issues that need to be addressed by social researchers concerned about career success and leadership potential in the global labour market (Schuitema, 1998)
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