The multifaceted role of language in international business: Unpacking the forms, functions and features of a critical challenge to MNC theory and performance

Abstract

Language lies at the heart of international business (IB) activities, yet language as a key construct in the field of IB has not been sufficiently articulated or theorized. Language presents itself in forms such as national, corporate, technical or electronic, in functions in terms of defining hierarchies, exercising power or facilitating integration and in features such as the use of mixed syntax or gendermarking. Understanding the complex interplay between the multiple facets of language and how they affect day-to-day operations is becoming increasingly critical to global business effectiveness. The purpose of this special issue is, therefore, to catalyze and set a course for the development of a new domain in IB scholarship originating from an explicit focus on language.

Language in International Business: A Review and Agenda for Future Research

“…Finally, we will mirror the results sections of empirical papers by providing an overview of their findings. As it is difficult to cluster the highly fragmented content around ''big'' research questions, we will build on Brannen et al's (2014) characterization of language as a ''multilevel construct'' and categorize findings according to the corresponding levels of analysis. Table 1 summarizes the aspects covered in our review.…”

“…Following Brannen et al's (2014) portrayal of language as a ''multilevel construct'', we organize our review of research findings according to their levels of analysis. The most common level in our sample is individual, followed by firm, and then group and country levels.…”

“…Much has changed since that time. Today's international business scholars treat language as an issue at the heart of their subject area (Brannen et al 2014;Mughan 2015), as language determines organizational communication, constitutes the foundation of knowledge creation and is considered essential for the construction of organizational realities (Piekkari and Tietze 2011). Highlighting the theoretical and practical relevance of language in international business, Piekkari et al (2014, p.…”

“…As noted by Brannen et al (2014), scholars approach language issues in business from many different angles. Among the diverse conceptualizations of language they use, three facets feature most prominently: national languages spoken in multinational corporations (MNCs), officially mandated corporate languages, and English as the language of global business.…”

Developing Linguistic Diversity Management in Teaching IB: Introduction to this Issue

“…IB scholars approach language issues in business from many different perspectives but the main focal points include national languages used in multinational corporations, mandated corporate languages, and English as the language of global business. Common corporate languages often seem to reflect the industry context and the national language environment in the headquarters country (Brannen et al, 2014). Studies show that linguistic diversity has an impact on almost all decisions in multinational corporations and other enterprises that operate in regions across different languages.…”