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Shifting the faultlines of language: A quantitative functional-level exploration of language use in MNC subsidiaries

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  • Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm
  • Aarnio, Christoffer

Abstract

The body of case study-based research on language in multinational corporations (MNCs) is growing, but its findings have as yet been subjected to limited statistical validation. In this paper we use quantitative functional-level data to chart language use in subsidiaries' communication with other MNC units and local partner firms, and to analyze some consequences of these patterns against the background of previous qualitative work in the area. Our findings confirm that MNCs are indeed multilingual, but that language fluency varies significantly across functions and organizational levels. This has important implications for communication, knowledge sharing and the viability of formal language strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm & Aarnio, Christoffer, 2011. "Shifting the faultlines of language: A quantitative functional-level exploration of language use in MNC subsidiaries," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 46(3), pages 288-295, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:46:y:2011:i:3:p:288-295
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    Cited by:

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    4. Amy Church-Morel & A. Bartel-Radic, 2014. ""Not all multilingual teams are created equal " : Conceptualizing language diversity management," Post-Print halshs-01185822, HAL.
    5. Helene Tenzer & Siri Terjesen & Anne-Wil Harzing, 2017. "Language in International Business: A Review and Agenda for Future Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 57(6), pages 815-854, December.
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    7. Vesa Peltokorpi, 2023. "The “language” of career success: The effects of English language competence on local employees’ career outcomes in foreign subsidiaries," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(2), pages 258-284, March.
    8. Alfredo Jimenez & Jonas Holmqvist & Diego Jimenez, 2019. "Cross-Border Communication and Private Participation Projects: The Role of Genealogical Language Distance," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 59(6), pages 1009-1033, December.
    9. Lauring, Jakob & Klitmøller, Anders, 2015. "Corporate language-based communication avoidance in MNCs: A multi-sited ethnography approach," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 50(1), pages 46-55.
    10. Itani, Sami & Järlström, Maria & Piekkari, Rebecca, 2015. "The meaning of language skills for career mobility in the new career landscape," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 368-378.
    11. Jimenez, Alfredo & Boehe, Dirk M. & Taras, Vasyl & Caprar, Dan V., 2017. "Working Across Boundaries: Current and Future Perspectives on Global Virtual Teams," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 23(4), pages 341-349.
    12. Jiménez, Alfredo & Bayraktar, Secil, 2021. "Hello! Namaste? Within-country linguistic diversity and infrastructure projects in emerging markets," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 86-97.
    13. Presbitero, Alfred, 2021. "Communication accommodation within global virtual team: The influence of cultural intelligence and the impact on interpersonal process effectiveness," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(1).
    14. Peltokorpi, Vesa, 2015. "Foreign subsidiary top manager nationality and language policy: The moderating effects of subsidiary age and size," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 24(5), pages 739-748.
    15. Presbitero, Alfred, 2020. "Foreign language skill, anxiety, cultural intelligence and individual task performance in global virtual teams: A cognitive perspective," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 26(2).
    16. Hung-Chang Liao & Sheng-hui Cindy Huang, 2022. "The Impact of Reading Anxiety of English Professional Materials on Intercultural Communication Competence: Taking Students Majoring in the Medical Profession," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-17, December.
    17. Davaei, Mahboobeh & Gunkel, Marjaana & Veglio, Valerio & Taras, Vas, 2022. "The influence of cultural intelligence and emotional intelligence on conflict occurrence and performance in global virtual teams," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(4).
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    19. Harzing, Anne-Wil & Pudelko, Markus, 2013. "Language competencies, policies and practices in multinational corporations: A comprehensive review and comparison of Anglophone, Asian, Continental European and Nordic MNCs," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 87-97.
    20. Peltokorpi, Vesa & Yamao, Sachiko, 2017. "Corporate language proficiency in reverse knowledge transfer: A moderated mediation model of shared vision and communication frequency," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 52(3), pages 404-416.
    21. Kostova, Tatiana & Marano, Valentina & Tallman, Stephen, 2016. "Headquarters–subsidiary relationships in MNCs: Fifty years of evolving research," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 51(1), pages 176-184.
    22. Hokkinen, Maria & Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm, 2023. "Refugees' language learning and career aspirations: An agentic lens," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(5).
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