Language in International Business

The Multilingual Reality of Global Business Expansion

丽贝卡•Piekkari国际普杜拉。布辛教授ess, Aalto University, School of Business, Finland, Denice E. Welch, Professor of International Business, Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne, Australia and The late Lawrence S. Welch, formerly Professor, Melbourne Business School, Australia

Language matters in international business and global business expansion inevitably mean encountering challenges of communication, language and translation. This book presents a thorough and rigorous analysis of language related to all aspects of global business – international management, networks, HRM, international marketing, strategy and foreign operations modes.

‘This is a terrific book. With English now established as the lingua franca of business, some might be tempted to assume that language isn’t a big deal any more in the world of business. But the authors show how mistaken this assumption is. With a mix of careful of research and detailed examples, they show how language use in international firms influences the meaning of written documents, power relationships between people, and how individuals make sense of their corporate environment. Language becomes, in effect, a window on the entire set of challenges faced by an international firm, and this has profound implications for executives and researchers alike.’
– Julian Birkinshaw, London Business School, UK

‘A comprehensive treatment of a key international business variable that we all too often take for granted. Language is and will remain a critical component of business performance in a global environment.’
– Oded Shenkar, Ford Motor Company Chair in Global Business Management, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University, US

‘The authors' analysis of the multilingual reality of global business expansion is consistent with my experience as chairman of a global company. Although the book has been written by academics, the writing style is clear and direct, making it an accessible and enjoyable read for anyone in the business community who is interested in the way language impacts business performance. I am happy to recommend it.’
– Antti Herlin, Board Chairman, KONE Corporation, Finland