Punctuality is usually associated with respect for a schedule.
Punctuality is the care and diligence in doing things on time or in arriving at (or departing from) a place at the agreed time.
For example: “I need you to deliver the work on time, otherwise we will have problems with the client,” “You arrived an hour late, your punctuality leaves much to be desired,” “The plane left on time, so we will be in Brazil sooner.” noon.”
The value of punctuality
The value of punctuality varies according to culture and context. In the Western world, a delay of about fifteen or twenty minutes is generally considered tolerable under normal circumstances (meeting at a bar, arriving at a visitor's house, etc.).
On the other hand, Eastern cultures consider any tardiness to be a lack of respect .
Its importance in Great Britain
In this sense we have to highlight that, for example, it is common to talk about what is known as British punctuality . A term that makes clear the fact that the English are considered people who always arrive on time for their appointments or commitments. Although of course, there are always exceptions.
Part of the origin of this current consideration can be found in a series of novels such as those made by Jules Verne . In them we are always presented with the English gentleman with his bowler hat and his pocket watch. This would be the case, for example, of the character Phileas Fogg who is represented in this way in the novel titled “Around the World in 80 Days” .
To ensure punctuality, it is common to use watches.
Punctuality and obligations
Punctuality when entering work or school is also very important. If the person does not comply with the scheduled schedule, they may even be sanctioned , unless they can explain the reason for the lateness.
There are those who have punctuality problems, both in their work life and in their most personal sphere. Therefore, they try to remedy it by using some of the instruments and tricks they have at their disposal. That is, alarms on alarm clocks and watches, having your wrist watch set several minutes ahead so you are never late for an appointment, getting up earlier to avoid being late at work...
The role of means of transportation
The operation of the means of transport must always be punctual since, otherwise, their users will not be able to meet their own temporal obligations: “I want to respect punctuality, but the train is always delayed” .
In this sense we could highlight the fact that in Spain the high-speed train line is identified by its punctuality. So much so that, in the event that a train arrives at its destination five minutes or more after the scheduled time, the traveler will see part or all of the cost of their ticket refunded.
In other contexts, however, punctuality is even unusual. When a birthday party is announced to start at 10 p.m., it is usually expected that guests will begin arriving at 11 p.m. or later.