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English Business Communication Needs of Mexican Executives in a Distance-Learning Class

Thunderbird grossec{at}t-bird.edu

Many firms within and outside the United States operate in multilingual environments that require executives to do business in English as well as in other languages. Executives for whom English is a second language often face special challenges communicating in such settings. This study examines how 115 executives in a distance-learning business communication class in Mexico used English to conduct business and their perceived strengths and weaknesses in the language. Although most executives used English regularly at work and in their classes, many continued to have language problems. They cited vocabulary, writing, and grammar as critical areas to improve, followed by pronunciation and speaking. Their audiences consisted of native and nonnative speakers of English who faced their own language challenges. E-mail and phone were the most commonly used channels for English communication. The study results have implications for teaching international students in U.S. MBA and international executive programs. They give insight into the English language use and into the needs of managers overseas. Instructors can use a needs assessment to identify and target language challenges, develop class activities to address problems, and provide remediation in language need areas.

Key Words: multilingual environments • Mexican executives

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