Time-related individual differences

Postmodernism has brought about changing demands with respect to time in work organizations. While the impact of this has been given some attention at both the organizational and individual levels, far less has been given to a consideration of the extent to which individual differences might moderate the impact of such changes. In order to proceed with this line of enquiry it is necessary first to be able to measure individual differences related to time. This article through an analysis and synthesis of existing measures of individual attitudes/approaches to time, a subsequent qualitative study, and large quantitative survey study (n = 683), identifies a five-factor structure for time-related individual differences (Time Personality) and reports on the development of five complementary measurement scales : Leisure Time Awareness, Punctuality, Planning, Polychronicity and Impatience. The findings are discussed in the context of the role Time Personality might play in moderating the effects that differing organizational structures and changing work demands might have in organizational settings.