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Employee commitment to corporate globalization: The role of English language proficiency and human resource practices

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  • Yamao, Sachiko
  • Sekiguchi, Tomoki

Abstract

We investigate factors affecting the commitment of non-native English-speaking employees to the globalization of their firms, focusing on the role of self-perceived English language proficiency and human resource (HR) practices. By surveying 693 non-native English speakers in Japan, we found that their self-perceived English language proficiency and HR practices that promote learning a foreign language have direct and interactive effects on the affective and normative commitment to their firms’ globalization. It is important for firms based in non-Anglophone countries to promote English language proficiency of their employees through HR practices when they consider globalizing their operations to other countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Yamao, Sachiko & Sekiguchi, Tomoki, 2015. "Employee commitment to corporate globalization: The role of English language proficiency and human resource practices," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 50(1), pages 168-179.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:50:y:2015:i:1:p:168-179
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2014.03.001
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    11. 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.
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    13. Tenzer, Helene & Pudelko, Markus, 2017. "The influence of language differences on power dynamics in multinational teams," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 52(1), pages 45-61.
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    15. Antioco, Michael & Coussement, Kristof & Fletcher-Chen, Chavi Chi-Yun & Prange, Christiane, 2023. "What's in a word? Adopting a linguistic-style analysis of western MNCs’ global press releases," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 58(2).
    16. Ting Liu, 2018. "The Review of Language Studies in International Business: Suggestions and Future Directions for Japan," Discussion Papers in Economics and Business 18-30, Osaka University, Graduate School of Economics.
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