Language In International Business Research Articles

The paradox of coaching in a non-native language

PurposeLanguage plays a complex role in coaching, facilitating communication, comprehension and meaning construction. Yet, the implications of coaching in a non-native language are uncertain and under-researched. This study explores the role of non-native language (NNL) in dyadic workplace coaching practice. Specifically, it explores how working in a NNL influences the coaching experience from the coach’s perspective.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was chosen to explore the way coaches view coaching in a NNL. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with coaches experienced in coaching in NNL. Reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) was applied for data analysis.FindingsNNL coaching presents a paradoxical mix of negative and positive tensions for the coach and coachee in communication, relationship and insight. NNL coaching is nuanced and may be accommodated using coaching competencies to mitigate the potential for misunderstanding and relationship rupture. It offers alternative perspectives to existing worldviews, eliciting deeper insights. Coaches’ confidence in coaching in a NNL varies from a challenging struggle that perceptually hinders performance, through ambivalence, to a sense of greater resourcefulness.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the stream of literature on language in international business, sociolinguistic research and how meaning is constructed in a coaching process. First, the work develops a distinction between coaching in a native language (NL) and a NNL. Second, study results indicate that the context of NNL creates challenges as well as opportunities in a dyadic coaching process, particularly regarding aspects of the coach–coachee relationship and insight elicitation via alternative perspectives. Moreover, several practical implications of the study for the coaching practice are discussed.

Role of English Language as a Global and Economical Language Around the Globe: A Case of Kachru's Model

This paper attempts to examine 'World Englishes' (WE) with connectivity to English as an International Language (EIL), Applied Linguistics and socio-linguistics. In the light of Kachru's model of English Language in the late 20th century. This model has three circles, inner circle, where English is used as native language, Outer Circle, mostly former colonies of British Empire, such as Singapore, India, Kenya, Ghana, Malaysia, Pakistan and others, and 3rd is Expanding Circle, include countries in which English is known as Foreign Language in schools and universities, mostly for communication and business or economic purposes as well with Inner and Outer circles. The term "English language" refers to various interesting and notable features, patterns, or aspects of the English language. These phenomena can encompass a wide range of linguistic phenomena, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, syntax, idioms, and more. English holds significant importance around the world because English is the most widely spoken language globally. It serves as a common language of communication among people from different linguistic backgrounds. Proficiency in English enables individuals to connect with a broader range of people, both in personal and professional contexts. English is the language of international business and economics as well. It facilitates global trade, negotiations, and collaboration between companies and individuals from different countries. Proficiency in English enhances employability and career opportunities, particularly in multinational corporations and industries with international reach. It recognizes the importance of both native and non-native varieties of English and acknowledges that each circle has its own linguistic norms, purposes, and language development. The study informs us that Kachru was an original thinker not in the field of English Language including applied linguistics, multilingualism, bilingualism, language policy, language creativity, code mixing, code switching, cross-cultural communication, sociolinguistics but also in the domain of politics of language and so many other issues including cross-cultural awareness.

Examining Willingness to Communicate in the English Language Classroom

Although graduates are skilled in their fields, many now face problems getting employment relevant to their specialisations. One reason for this is the lack of good communication skills in English, which is now the international business language. Students in higher education institutions need to have a high propensity of Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in order to gain fluency in English language skills. WTC is seen as an indicator to measure students’ propensity in learning English effectively. WTC is also said to be related to confidence, which is an essential variable in communication. However, research shows that WTC among undergraduates in Malaysia is low. This paper examines the relationship between WTC and communication confidence (CC, and the relationship between WTC and self-perceived communicative competence among undergraduates in a public university. This study uses survey to collect data on WTC. 187 undergraduates in a public university in Malaysia were involved in this study. These respondents were selected using stratified sampling and systemic random sampling technique. The correlation analysis was done using the Pearson bivariate correlation analysis. The findings showed that WTC was positively correlated with CC and self-perceived communication competence. The findings also revealed that WTC was negatively correlated with communication apprehension. The implications of this study suggest it is necessary to increase students’ WTC as it is related to students’ CC and communication competence. Increasing students’ WTC enhances the effectiveness of English language learning. In the long run this will help with developing a more competent workforce that has effective and relevant communication abilities.

Perfection, hybridity or shutting up? A cross-country study of how language ideologies shape participation in international business

Employees’ participation in professional international business (IB) communication has important consequences for knowledge transfer and processing, a crucial function for multinational enterprises (MNEs). Research suggests that participation is shaped by language, but prior research has focused on firm-internal language dynamics, meaning that less is known about the influence of external context. We help redress this balance by drawing on the sociolinguistic concept of “language ideologies”. Language ideologies, or shared sets of beliefs about language(s) amongst social groups, are societal-level phenomena that employees bring with them to work. As such, they are part of the external social, political and historical context of IB activities. Our analysis of 82 interviews in three countries indicates that some language ideologies block participation and create friction, while others support participation. Implications for the conceptual understanding of language in IB and the management of internationally active firms are discussed.

Guest editorial: Introduction – critical perspectives on language in international business

Guest editorial: Introduction – critical perspectives on language in international business

Babel and Gender: The Relationship between Identity, Clusters and Status

This study explores the role of identity attributes that influence an individual’s association with language-based clusters within multinational enterprises (MNEs). Current research on language in international business has shown that language is a core element of one’s social identity and employees in MNEs can form homophily-based clusters with those who share their native language, and such clusters can significantly influence communication and knowledge sharing within MNEs. However, research assumes that clusters are static and does not take into consideration the role of attributes other than language that could influence individual association with these clusters and the resultant dynamics. We conducted a qualitative comparative case study of two MNE headquarters in India and found evidence of language-based meta- clusters in both organizations and discerned that employees’ linguistic identities often intersect with identities related to gender, regional dialects and education. Our data revealed cleavages in language-based meta-cultures based on dialect-based status differences as well as disassociation from clusters by female employees which seems to be driven by gender-based stereotypes and associated in- and out-group biases. Based on these findings, we develop a process model to explain the dynamic processes by which these identity attributes change the composition of language-based clusters over time. These changes have important consequences for communications and group dynamics within organizations, particularly as they relate to power, status and affect. Keywords: Gender; language; language-based clusters; regional dialects; social identity; status; stereotypes.

Language and identity in the shadow: A multi-case study of a Japanese multinational corporation

This paper explores how different organizational identities can be constructed by the use of multiple languages within a multinational corporation’s (MNC) subsidiaries. Scholars are increasingly interested in the importance of language in international business but little is currently known about how identities interact with language across an MNC’s subsidiaries. Applying language and social identity theory, this paper analyses the interactions between organizational identity and the use of multiple languages within the lines of communication in the Thai, Taiwanese and US subsidiaries of a Japanese MNC, focusing especially on communications with customers and headquarters. The findings reveal the range of uses of different languages in the lines of communication and the attendant sharing and shaping of social identities in each subsidiary, thus highlighting the importance of the contexts of subsidiaries. In addition, in a sharp contrast to the approach to linguistic identity assumed in the current literature, the findings reveal how national identity can be sustained independently of the use of language. Moreover, the findings also reveal that perceived identity is influenced not only by actors’ language abilities and ethnicity, but also by their post-colonial views on both parent and host countries, and how this underpins shadow organizational structures.

It is all about TOEIC: discovering topics and trends in employee perceptions of corporate language policy

ABSTRACT Globalisation poses a challenge for businesses with linguistically diverse staff, prompting the choice of English as the default corporate language. Although many studies extensively explored the role of corporate language policy in large corporations, employees' perceptions of such policy has not been explored adequately. Fewer studies investigate the trends in such perceptions in social media texts. This study fills this gap; it examines the barriers in multinational companies that have adopted a foreign language and analyses employees' attitudes. The study uses computer-assisted text analysis to investigate changes in employees' perceptions of an English-only policy in Rakuten, a Japanese company. It analyses a corpus of 704 social media posts on OpenWork from 2010 to 2018. The study finds some trends in employees' attitudes such as the inconsistency between expectation and reality in terms of ‘Englishnization’ and the popularity of the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). The findings suggest that Rakuten is not global in the true sense; the value of the TOEIC score is overestimated and the neoliberal employment system affects employees in complex ways. This study contributes to international business language with a bottom-up, employee-centred, and diachronic perspective on language management.

El impacto del idioma inglés en el comercio internacional

El presente artículo pretende determinar la influencia del idioma inglés en los negocios internacionales mediante la interpretación de resultados obtenidos a partir del análisis de datos macroeconómicos del Banco Mundial y el EPI en el año 2019, para 190 economías mundiales. Se trabajo una investigación explicativa, a través del análisis de conglomerados y análisis factorial para cuatro variables; Apertura de un negocio (APN), Comercio transfronterizo (CT), nivel de inglés (English level) y Gasto corriente en educación, % del gasto total en instituciones públicas (GCEP). Cabe señalar que se tuvo que asignar valores a las variables previo al análisis, para trabajar así con variables categóricas. Por los resultados obtenidos se puede afirmar que, el idioma inglés es trascendental para incursionar en el comercio internacional, y generar desarrollo económico en el proceso; asimismo, el idioma inglés como asignatura debe valorarse aún más y debe generarse una adecuada inversión en educación pública para que los estudiantes y futuros ciudadanos tengan las herramientas necesarias para socializar a nivel internacional y generar como producto de ello, negocios que impulsen la economía de su país.

Englishization and the politics of translation

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the treatment of translation within the international business and management (IBM) literature to highlight colonialist assumptions inscribed in this treatment as a result of the hegemonic status of English.Design/methodology/approachThis investigation takes the form of a systemic literature review to examine the treatment of translation in the IBM literature through a postcolonial lens.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that despite growing interest in language in international business, matters of translation have received comparatively little attention. However, those articles that do address translation matters tend to do so in five key ways, including epistemological/methodological considerations, exploring translator agency, the investigations of the discursive void/conceptual fuzziness between languages, and approaches that discuss translation as social practice.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the authors’ critique of English-language hegemony, this literature review is restricted to English-language journals, which the authors acknowledge as problematic and discuss within the article.Practical implicationsIn exposing the limited treatment of translation within the literature, the authors provide a call to action for IBM scholars to be more explicit in their treatment of translation to ensure representation of cultural and linguistic Others, rather than providing domesticated accounts of multilingual research.Originality/valueAlthough there have been other articles that have examined translation in the past, this paper is the first to do so through a postcolonial lens, demonstrating from a linguistic perspective the colonialist assumptions that are still prevalent in IBM knowledge production, as evidenced by the treatment of translation in the field.

The Effect of Linguistic Distance on Cross-Border Merger and Acquisition (M&A) Deal Duration

This paper presents a conceptual model of the role of linguistic distance affecting the duration of cross-border merger & acquisition (M&A). The duration is defined as the time taken for the official completion of negotiations among parties. We theorize that the larger the linguistic distance, the longer the duration of a cross-border M&A deal. This is because linguistic distance can create communication barriers in the negotiating process of cross-border M&A. However, there are mitigating factors that can weaken the effect of linguistic distance on cross-border M&A deal duration. Based on the research stream of language in international business (IB), we argue that lingua franca and culture similarity will weaken the effect of linguistic distance on cross-border M&A deal duration. Moreover, based on transaction cost economics, we argue that the participation of intermediaries in the cross-border M&A process, as well as industry technical standardisation, will weaken aforementioned effect of linguistic distance on cross-border M&A deal duration. This paper contributes to the international business literature by providing a nuanced understanding of how language differences can affect the M&A deal duration and presenting several moderating variables that may reduce the negative effect of linguistic distance.

UNDERGRADUATES’ AWARENESS AND OBSTACLES ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPEAKING SKILL

The English language is a global language as it’s the most commonly spoken language in the world by many people around the world. Nevertheless, it is also the language of international business and a necessity for people to speak English if they are to enter a corporate workforce. The English language is significant for employment as organizations are requiring and accepting applicants with good English proficiency. Therefore, it is vital for a student to learn and enhance their English language for a promising future. In learning and becoming proficient in the English Language, students are unable to grasp all of the language skills, especially when it comes to speaking skills. They face multiple challenges in communicating the language in the tertiary level of education as speaking skills is a stepping stone to their career. Thus, future graduates are unaware of the importance of English Language speaking skill as it is one of the necessities to be competitive in a global workforce. This research investigated the undergraduates’ perception and challenges on the importance of English language skill and mixed-method was adopted in this study. The results showed that the students understand the importance of English Language speaking skill and also, they have highlighted the challenges of improving their speaking skills.

DKSH sells speciality silicas from Evonik

This paper explores how different organizational identities can be constructed by the use of multiple languages within a multinational corporation’s (MNC) subsidiaries. Scholars are increasingly interested in the importance of language in international business but little is currently known about how identities interact with language across an MNC’s subsidiaries. Applying language and social identity theory, this paper analyses the interactions between organizational identity and the use of multiple languages within the lines of communication in the Thai, Taiwanese and US subsidiaries of a Japanese MNC, focusing especially on communications with customers and headquarters. The findings reveal the range of uses of different languages in the lines of communication and the attendant sharing and shaping of social identities in each subsidiary, thus highlighting the importance of the contexts of subsidiaries. In addition, in a sharp contrast to the approach to linguistic identity assumed in the current literature, the findings reveal how national identity can be sustained independently of the use of language. Moreover, the findings also reveal that perceived identity is influenced not only by actors’ language abilities and ethnicity, but also by their post-colonial views on both parent and host countries, and how this underpins shadow organizational structures.

ENGLISH AS A CORPORATE LANGUAGE

Corporate language is the language in which the corporate world can communicate both verbally and non-verbally. We can explicitly declare that, “English as a corporate language” is an undeniable need for the multinational companies (MNC) today. Bit by bit almost every MNC is mandating English as their professional language. The biggest linguistic fact is that the basic role that language plays in human interaction is to demonstrate its power to be a preface to chaos or becoming the messenger of new understandings. If communication system breaks down, no one can move forward, even they might suffer to understand or be understood. Big plans remain plans only. So there is an urgent need for global employees to communicate effectively and efficiently so that they can evidently visible in the competitive world, and indeed, global organisations are at the frontier of changes in language use. There are many pros and cons of fixing as English as corporate jargon.For over three decades, Europeans and Americans have impelled English as the common language of international business by using their parliamentary, social, financial, and technical power. Approx 52 % of MNCs use English as their official language. We can see a shocking absence of research into the process through which English became the globally accepted corporate language.

Implementing a Cultural Model to Increase English-Language Proficiency at an International College

Research Question: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of an American Cultural Model to an existing English as a Second Language (ESL) program improved the performance of international students. Idea: The English language proficiency is essential for students in global emerging economies in order to be competitive, and our study can be generalized to learning other languages within the respective cultural model. Motivation: The results of our study can be applied to higher education worldwide since currently the international business language is English. Data: The data collected were analyzed and interpreted to determine whether cultural training improved scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Tools: Two groups of incoming students were compared as the treatment and control groups, using the t-test with appropriate statistical package. Findings: Data analysis showed a statistically significant difference in TOEFL scores between the control group and the experimental group benefiting from the implementation of the Introduction of the American Cultural Model. Contribution: The English language proficiency is essential for students in global emerging economies in order for them to be competitive, and our study can be generalized to learning other languages within a respective cultural model.

English as an ASEAN lingua franca and the role of nativeness in English education in Thailand

English has been increasingly used in Thailand as a lingua franca; that is, a means of communication between people who do not share a mother tongue nor speak English as a native language. Given the integration of ASEAN nations to form an economic region, the use of English as lingua franca (ELF) in Thailand and other member states of ASEAN will likely continue to increase at a significant rate. Kagnarith, Klein and Middlecamp (2012) observe that the increasing use of English as an inter-regional language of communication probably results from two causes. First, the use of English as ASEAN's working lingua franca has already been in effect. Second, the promotion of English as an international business language is one objective of the plan for the regional integration of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). In fact, the campaign to promote English as an official lingua franca in ASEAN is based on Article 34 of The ASEAN Charter ratified in February 2009: ‘The working language of ASEAN shall be English’.

Book review: Rebecca Piekkari, Denice E Welch and Lawrence S Welch, Language in International Business: The Multilingual Reality of Global Business Expansion

Book review: Rebecca Piekkari, Denice E Welch and Lawrence S Welch, <i>Language in International Business: The Multilingual Reality of Global Business Expansion</i>

A Preliminary Analysis of the Significance of the Education on Financial Quotient in Universities in Mainland China

The Belt and Road (B&R) is a development strategy that focuses on connectivity and cooperation between Eurasian countries. The strategy underlines China’s push to make a larger role in global affairs. The initiative provides a visionary blueprint for global economic development in the new world order as well as offers global businesses. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote speech at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that China will put in place the mechanisms “the research center for the belt and road financial and economic development” to boost B&A cooperation, which shows the importance of finance & economy in global economic environment. Accounting, as an international business language, has a massive influence on business affairs. Educational institutes, especially universities, should undertake a reform on accounting teaching structure according to the age of great progress, great transformation and profound changes, which aims to improve students’ achievement and bring large returns on economic society as well as on business affairs.

A Preliminary Analysis of the Significance of the Education on Financial Quotient in Universities in Mainland China

The Belt and Road (B&R) is a development strategy that focuses on connectivity and cooperation between Eurasian countries. The strategy underlines China’s push to make a larger role in global affairs. The initiative provides a visionary blueprint for global economic development in the new world order as well as offers global businesses. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote speech at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that China will put in place the mechanisms “the research center for the belt and road financial and economic development” to boost B&A cooperation, which shows the importance of finance & economy in global economic environment. Accounting, as an international business language, has a massive influence on business affairs. Educational institutes, especially universities, should undertake a reform on accounting teaching structure according to the age of great progress, great transformation and profound changes, which aims to improve students’ achievement and bring large returns on economic society as well as on business affairs.

THE PROBLEMATIC INFLUENCES OF FIRST LANGUAGE CULTURE ON ESL AND MODES TO OVERCOME THE SAME

ESL teaching is common, all over the world because of the significance and reach of the English language. It is a globally connective language and has become indispensible due to objectives of business, education or simply communication. The main issue while learning a different language comes out to be with the cultural differences in the grammatical concepts that one has been familiar with since childhood. It is rather challenging to overcome such an integral part of language that most of us consider the “rules” to abide by, so that we can make sense of statements. For example, the Mandarin language has four basic tones, and another fifth neutral tone. The use of tones are extremely important to the meaning generated, and thus are not compromisable. If a tone is missed out, the implication changes, thus leaving the output incorrect.Such tones do not exist in the English language, however it comes with its own set of complexities, such as the tense. The concept of tense in does not influence the verb in Mandarin language.When referring to an action that occurred in the past, such as “eat”, the English language requires it to be changed to “ate” (referring to simple past tense), however, in the Mandarin language, the verb remains in the same form (chi).Research in such areas are necessary to understand and develop methodologies to overcome these issues for faster and better acquisition of language.Overcoming grammatical and linguistic differences between languages, and the comparison of languages for ESL teaching and learningESL is one of those subjects which enjoy maximum demand due to the basic principle on which it is based - communication. In a world which is being repeatedly called a “global village”, it is quite expected that a common ground for interaction will emerge. English is, of course, the most spoken language throughout the world as a result of various phenomenon such as colonisation, immigration etc. The English language has grown to become the “international business language”, wherein without business the globe would not be functioning in the manner it currently is.The purpose of ESL is never put in a position of doubt, for some it might be the acceptance in university or a job, while for others it is a more important deal of settling in a foreign land with a foreign tongue.While learning a second language, it is expected that there will be anxiety or nervousness among the students. ESL teaching techniques are most important as they are responsible for ensuring comfort and participation, and thus, improvement in the students.This paper reviews the current methodologies employed in teaching and learning English as a second language, along with the very problematic scenario of grammatical differences between the many languages of the world. It is expected that these “rules” of grammar or lack thereof in some languages causes some serious struggles in the process of understanding and incorporating English into one’s vocabulary. Unless simultaneously learnt, it is quite difficult for someone to ignore the ways in which a language they have been familiar with since childhood constructs a sentence, as compared to the English language. On top of that, English is a tricky language, with appropriate pronunciation and homophones which takes much time and work to learn and remember. It is a topic which requires acknowledgement.