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Business Communication Quarterly, Vol. 65, No. 2, 9-29 (2002)
DOI: 10.1177/108056990206500202

Language Training for Enhanced Horizontal Communication: A Challenge for MNCs

Mirjaliisa Charles

Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki, Finland

Rebecca Marschan-Piekkari

Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration, Helsinki, Finland

Horizontal communication between subsidiaries of the same multinational corpo ration (MNC) is a Problem faced by staff as the demands for communicating across borders are pushed downwards in the organizational hierarchy. Although the choice of English as the common corporate language alleviates some of the hor izontal communication problems, it does not solve them all-particularly not when many subsidiaries are located in non-English speaking countries. In that situation, horizontal communication between subsidiaries can be a significant casualty.

In a study of communication within a Finland-based MNC, Kone Elevators, interviews with staff globally revealed problems not only for non-native speakers, but also for native speakers of English. Illustrative interview data suggests that cor porate training schemes should focus on the broad spectrum of international com munication rather than on increasing a systematic knowledge of any one language.

Key Words: Corporate training • language • language training


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