The principal aim of this assignment is to work out an overview of the application of English in non-English firms.
For this purpose, the motives of those parties who are involved in the process and the companies´ main objectives, challenges and benefits of using English as a corporate language, are taken into account.
The intentions for using English as a corporate language are manifold. However, the three following purposes are the most obvious ones. Thus they are to be examined closely: firstly, the prospect of better business conducts, secondly, the need of enhancing collaboration performance and thirdly, the requirement of staying competitive in an increasingly global market.
The assessment, of whether these objectives can be generally achieved by conducting English as a corporate language, will be given in the concluding section.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, English has become increasingly popular with the business world.
This originates from the widespread use of English in the British colonies and the influence of the economic superpower, the USA. Since the Information Technology (IT) has been launching ever more sophisticated e-commerce applications and communication tools for web conferences, the way was paved for conducting international business online. Henceforth, even small and medium sized enterprises seek to enter the international market.
This development made it necessary to communicate on an equal language basis with the stakeholders of a company. Communicating effectively without major obstacles can be achieved by the assistance of communication experts like translators and interpreters. Nevertheless, it might be more economical to deal with this correspondence in English by an own English savvy workforce. To solve this issue, many companies mandate English as a corporate language.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definition of the term "corporate language"
- Findings on the usage of CL in non-English companies
- Kinds of non-English companies that use English as CL
- Extents of using English as CL
- Intentions of using English as CL
- Staying competitive in the international market
- Establishing better business conducts
- Enhancing collaboration performance
- Views of companies' internal and external stakeholders
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This assignment aims to provide an overview of English's application in non-English firms. It considers the motivations of involved parties and examines the objectives, challenges, and benefits of using English as a corporate language (CL). The study focuses on three key intentions for adopting English as CL: improved business conduct, enhanced collaboration, and maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
- The definition and strategic importance of corporate language.
- The prevalence and extent of English as a corporate language in non-English-speaking companies.
- The various reasons companies choose to adopt English as their corporate language.
- The impact of using English as a corporate language on different stakeholders.
- The overall assessment of the effectiveness of using English as a corporate language in achieving business goals.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the increasing popularity of English in the business world since the beginning of the 21st century, driven by factors like the legacy of British colonialism, the influence of the US economy, and advancements in information technology facilitating global online business. It emphasizes the need for effective communication in international markets, leading many companies to adopt English as a corporate language to overcome communication barriers and improve efficiency. The chapter outlines the assignment's objective: to analyze the use of English in non-English firms, considering the motivations of those involved and the overall impact on the companies. The three main purposes examined are improved business conduct, enhanced collaboration performance, and maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
Definition of the term "corporate language": This chapter defines "corporate language" (CL) as a key aspect of a company's strategic corporate identity, which encompasses visual presentation (corporate design), employee interactions (corporate behavior), and internal and external communication (corporate communication). It emphasizes the strong link between corporate language and a company's business practices and reputation. The definition helps establish a framework for understanding how the choice of corporate language influences a company's overall image and operations. The chapter establishes that corporate language is not merely a linguistic choice but also a strategic decision that significantly impacts a company's identity and market positioning.
Findings on the usage of CL in non-English companies: This chapter explores the use of English as a corporate language (CL) in non-English-speaking companies. It begins by identifying industries where English is commonly used as CL, such as entertainment, travel, and catering, before extending its scope to include export-oriented manufacturers and companies with international subsidiaries. The chapter analyzes the varying extents to which companies implement English as their CL, ranging from using it solely for external communication to mandating its use as the sole company language. It provides specific examples from various sectors and regions, demonstrating that using English as CL is a widespread phenomenon and not limited to specific industries or geographic locations. Different scenarios are discussed – companies primarily using English externally, firms using English as the only company language, and examples involving mergers and acquisitions – highlighting the wide range of practical applications and considerations.
Intentions of using English as CL: This section delves into the reasons behind the adoption of English as a corporate language. The three primary objectives are discussed: maintaining competitiveness in the global market, establishing better business practices, and enhancing collaborative performance. The chapter argues that English proficiency provides a company with a significant advantage in accessing global information, communicating effectively with international customers and partners, and improving negotiation outcomes. It also highlights the role of English in fostering effective internal collaboration across departments and subsidiaries. The discussion incorporates the perspective of experts such as Tsedal Neeley from Harvard Business School, emphasizing the importance of language strategy for achieving competitive advantages in a global marketplace.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Corporate language, English as a corporate language, international business communication, global competitiveness, stakeholder communication, cross-cultural communication, business conduct, collaboration, multilingual workforce, strategic communication.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the use of English as a corporate language (CL) in non-English-speaking companies. It explores the reasons behind this adoption, its impact on various stakeholders, and its overall effectiveness in achieving business goals.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
The key themes include the definition and strategic importance of corporate language, the prevalence of English as a corporate language in non-English-speaking companies, the motivations for adopting English as a corporate language (improved business conduct, enhanced collaboration, and global competitiveness), and the impact of using English as a corporate language on different stakeholders.
What is the definition of "corporate language" as presented in this document?
Corporate language (CL) is defined as a key aspect of a company's strategic corporate identity, encompassing visual presentation (corporate design), employee interactions (corporate behavior), and internal and external communication (corporate communication). It's a strategic decision impacting a company's image and market positioning.
Why do non-English speaking companies adopt English as their corporate language?
Companies adopt English as their corporate language primarily for three reasons: to maintain competitiveness in the global market (accessing global information, communicating with international partners), to establish better business practices, and to enhance collaborative performance within the company (across departments and subsidiaries).
What are the findings regarding the usage of English as a corporate language in non-English companies?
The findings reveal that the use of English as CL is widespread, varying in extent from solely external communication to being the sole company language. Industries such as entertainment, travel, and catering, as well as export-oriented manufacturers and companies with international subsidiaries, frequently utilize English as their corporate language.
Who are the stakeholders impacted by the choice of corporate language?
The choice of corporate language impacts various stakeholders, including employees, management, customers, partners, and investors. The document emphasizes understanding the perspectives of all these groups in relation to the chosen corporate language.
What is the overall conclusion or assessment of using English as a corporate language?
While not explicitly stated as a singular conclusion, the document strongly implies that using English as a corporate language offers significant advantages in achieving business goals, particularly in globalized markets. However, a full assessment would require further research beyond the scope of this preview.
What are the chapter summaries included in this preview?
The preview includes summaries for the Introduction (setting the stage and outlining objectives), Definition of the term "corporate language," Findings on the usage of CL in non-English companies, and Intentions of using English as CL. Each summary provides a concise overview of the key points covered in the respective chapter.
What keywords are associated with this topic?
Keywords include: Corporate language, English as a corporate language, international business communication, global competitiveness, stakeholder communication, cross-cultural communication, business conduct, collaboration, multilingual workforce, and strategic communication.
What is the purpose of this document?
This document serves as a comprehensive language preview, providing an overview of the key aspects of the use of English as a corporate language in non-English-speaking companies. It aims to inform the reader about the topic, its key themes, and the findings related to the usage and impact of English as a corporate language.
- Quote paper
- Sabine Lavid (Author), 2014, English used as a corporate language in non-English companies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/322823
