Abstract
In the article, results and findings of a survey aimed at identifying language skills needs of Slovak small, medium-sized and large enterprises operating mainly in agriculture and food processing industry are presented. An online questionnaire was constructed to collect data. 14 out of 50 selected companies responded. Our findings revealed the fact that the Slovak enterprises use mainly English and German when communicating with their headquarters, suppliers and customers. The respondents also require their employees to have the following special language skills: communicating on the telephone, conducting business negotiations and writing business letters in a foreign language. As for language management strategies, the enterprises organize language training courses for their employees within their premises or the employees have to attend language courses outside the premises. The results of the survey conducted in Slovakia and the EU surveys were compared. Based on the results, we suggest stronger cooperation between the SMEs and universities in Slovakia in production of graduates better equipped with the language skills required by the business environment.
Highlights
One of the policies of the European Union is the language policy which “is based on respect for linguistic diversity in all Member States and on the creation of an intercultural dialogue throughout the EU
The companies place emphasis on foreign language skills of their employees at the very beginning of the recruitment process because potential employees had to write their CVs in a foreign language and subsequently the shortlisted candidates were interviewed in a foreign language as well
According to the ELAN study undertaken by the European Commission (2006), the main languages used by European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large multinational companies are English and German, but on the other hand, the companies value the knowledge of other global languages such as Spanish, Chinese, Arabic or Portuguese
Summary
One of the policies of the European Union is the language policy which “is based on respect for linguistic diversity in all Member States and on the creation of an intercultural dialogue throughout the EU. Foreign language competence is regarded as one of the basic skills that all EU citizens need to acquire in order to improve their educational and employment opportunities. European institutions have initiated a few surveys, projects and studies investigating the linkage between language skills of small, medium sized and large enterprises and their business performance. The main objective of this study was to analyse the impact of language skills of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on their business performance as well as to compare the language skills of SMEs with those used by multinational companies. The subjects of the ELAN study were 2000 SMEs from European states and large multinational companies. [...] 11% of respondents (195 SMEs) lost a contract as a result of lack of language skills. At least 10 businesses had lost contracts worth over €1 million” (European Commission, 2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
