Time Orientation



Time orientation (Past/Present)

Past orientation:

  • Children should be taught well the traditions of the past.
  • When conversing with my friends, I would like them to know of my past accomplishments.
  • The best way to do new tasks well is to rely on what has been done in similar instances in the past.
  • I like to hear my elders talk about the « old days ».
  • It is important to know one’s family history.
  • The longer a person works at the same place, the more he or she should be paid.
  • The future is very uncertain.
  • It is very important to understand what has happened in the past.

Present orientation:

  • I usually use a calendar to schedule events well ahead of time.
  • Things which you do now will affect how you are treated later.
  • I like to read about how others see the future.
  • I like science fiction.
  • When talking with friends, our interests tend to anchor around what we are going to do.
  • If we work hard and plan right, things in our country will improve for those who really try.
  • If a new young member has more potential to contribute to an organization, he or she should be paid more than other members in the organization.
  • The future is dynamic, but we can anticipate most outcomes beforehand.
  • I like to think about what I’m going to do in the future.

Ko, G., & Gentry, J. W. (1991). The development of time orientation measures for use in cross-cultural research. ACR North American Advances.