According to Dahl (2006), Hall's concept of monochromic and polychromic time
orientation is useful for comparing cultural differences such as high- and low-context
cultures, but the concepts lack empirical data (p. 11). Dahl found that concept of highand
low-context was easily observed, but he stated that the "lack of empirical data make
the concept more difficult to apply in research. This is particularly true for research
comparing cultures that are seen as relatively close" (p. 11). Additionally, it is important
not to label a culture totally one or the other; certainly there are preferred styles, but all
societies contain a degree of both (http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html, "High
and Low Cultures"). Nevertheless, Hall's concept of high/low context and time
orientation was considered pioneering work in the emerging field of cross-cultural study.
Hall's work was expanded upon and empirically researched by Hofstede in the 1980s and
1990s.