The Importance of English Language in International Business

A British Council report projects that by 2020, two billion people in the world will be studying English. From a mark of the elite, it has now become a basic skill needed for professional workforce. It is metaphorically similar to literacy; how literacy was a privilege a few decades back, and the way it has become a need in present times. Most students learning it as a second language are enabling themselves for diverse career options in International Business. In fact, it is also true that most organizations, such as Finnish Telecom giant NOKIA and German software company SAP, use as this as their official language. In addition, it is not just business organizations, most governments and prominent educational institutions in various other language speaking nations lay greater emphasis on English as a preferred mode of communication.

One of the primary reason for it to become a powerful tool of communication is offshoring and outsourcing of business processes. In the early stages of globalizations, many International Businesses recognized the need for cost cutting measures to stabilize their profits in competitive markets. One highly effective solution to this problem emerged with sending jobs overseas. This phenomenon presented lucrative job opportunities for people in developing countries. Working for multinational companies paid better wages, along with opportunities to acquire diverse skills. For those who could speak this language fluently, outsourcing opened up possibilities to travel overseas and temporarily work with global businesses as well. This phenomenon proved to be most profitable for this language speaking workforce and urged a large portion of the population to master the language.

Further, the following points highlight additional advantages and the Importance of this Language. Fluent speaking skills and writing skills play a critical role in securing good employment opportunities with lucrative pay packages. Most national and international organizations use English as a mode of communication for all official and legal matters. Proficient knowledge of the language assists in the smooth conduct of operations, such as regular exchange of emails, presentations, and sales and marketing.

It has also received the status of official language in more than 75 countries. This means that emerging businesses also will follow the suit and build their networks and corporate climate on the basis of the language only.

The Internet is a primary source for promotion of this language in International Business communities. Most sources on the internet are available so it facilitates better understanding, exchange of information, and clarity of objectives.

A common language for most purposes provides a yardstick to measure performance and output and seek ways to improve it. This language is important especially to monitor performance in geographically diverse functions and business endeavors.

Many businesses recognizing the need develop corporate language strategies to introduce change within the internal structure of the organization. In cases where businesses have been primarily hiring foreign speakers and have been the neglecting adoption of an official language within their system, have faced heavy resistance from employees and other regional stakeholders to adopt change. However, change management is a critical aspect of making a business flexible and adaptive to fluctuations in its external business environment. The language is important to surpass such resistance and vagaries in the industry as it helps to make a business steady in the global economy and overcome communication barriers.

Further, people from different cultural backgrounds and nationalities come to work in International Businesses. Even if they are not working together in a physical space, they are interacting virtually.  The language in this scenario aids communication and smooth flow of ideas for better innovation and cooperation across borders. Besides, open communication without any misinterpretation leads to increased cohesion and boosts the morale of employees. A common code is an underlying basis for this. Then there’s also the issue of transparency. English creates a link between internal and external stakeholders, including the workforce located across the world. This link is only strengthened with effective communication and increases the credibility of a business.

A shared language is critical to collaboration and increasing awareness of objectives in an International Business. Businesses are built on relationships, and relationships rely on efficient communication. In this context is a language which is understood all over the world and is structurally less complex to master. Studying it formally is a viable option for those looking to enhance their prospects of success in this sector. Along with speaking fluently writing clear communication also holds equal value to achieve success. A strong ability to communicate your ideas in writing and verbally is the key to learning and enrich your career with numerous opportunities.

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