Effect of Language Barrier on Multinational Corporations (Research Paper Sample)

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Effect of Language Barrier on Multinational Corporations
The formulation of friendly international policies has led to the cohesion of multiple countries that has played a significant role in effecting globalization. Trade between nations is now easy, and people move freely from one state to the other. Corporations have also gone global creating a multinational link among varying countries (Welch et al. 196). This has allowed capital-intensive companies to establish themselves in labor and land intensive countries creating a regional balance in work division and equitable sharing of available resources. One problem, however, still make companies rag behind in implementation and execution of some tasks caused by language barrier.
For any company to achieve its profit-making objective and survive in the country, communication among the workers and the management is vital. Most of the multinational companies have their natives at the management level. The difference in language may cause an interruption in the communication loop between management and workers. Operating such companies have proved complicated and require more efforts to develop working communication strategies rather than concentrating more on the work itself. Understanding that this problem exists and giving helpful recommendations on tackling it may help improve companies’ productivity and profitability index.
Introduction Multinational corporation ventures
Currently, at least three-quarter of the available multinational companies have established more than twenty branches in other countries (John et al. 16). Cultural and geographical barriers have complicated the running of this company. However, the Language barrier has intensified the corporation burden, and very few companies live up to their expected productivity level from this problem. Getting workers to understand organizational policies, as well as executing orders, have proved a challenge. The existence of a multinational company risks closure if the language barrier doesn’t get solved quickly. Most companies have risen to the occasion and have integrated exclusive systems that handle language barriers across the corporation's operation bases. However, implementation of such systems still falls short in providing a long-lasting solution.
Language management in multinational corporations
Frequent communication from the branches to the headquarters reporting progress is paramount. This, therefore, requires an extensive tool that can handle and translate different languages. Language makes communication comfortable and is a primary part in achieving the competitive advantage of any company (Ferry & Ann 37). Before getting to understand the type of the system to install for this task, a company should realize the particular magnitude of the language barrier categorically described in three dimensions stated below.
Language sophistication
Different groups have languages that are simple to understand and some very complicated to understand. The corporation should, therefore, look for various workers with varying language skills to enhance communication. For example, a receptionist will need to listen more to understand the question rather than speak more. Therefore, choosing workers based on their language skills may assist in overcoming the language barrier.
Language diversity
Other than language difference between the primary and subsidiary branches, a company in a specific country may be exposed to other different languages within the constructs of the cultural groups (Ferry & Ann 39). This makes it hard to communicate with the workers and becomes complicated have a smooth communication flow. This gives rise to constant chaos from intercommunication misunderstandings and needs management for resolution.
Methods of eradicating language barrier
There exist various ways that a multinational corporation can utilize to counter language barrier problems. The methods may not entirely provide the best solution but help in bringing mutual understanding and simplified execution and implementation of the company policies.
The primary point of communication is creating an understanding and conveying information in a way a receiver can simply decode it and understand the intended message of the information. Different comprehension levels cause language barrier and hence when communicating, one should strive to make the conversation as simple as possible. A simple, clear and price language enhances communication and helps overcome language barrier that would occur from the use of jargon words. When communicating, the intent should always to make receiver understand rather than to make him feel inferior.
Use of pictorial representation
In the instance of multinational corporations, the graphic representation can work to assist in communicating effectively with the employers. Pictures are a language by themselves. Almost every cultural group in various countries with varying language can comfortably interact with the use of images. However, the pictorial representation should be well-thought not to give confusing pictures communicating different things to different individuals. The picture used should conform to the standard usage and should be visible.
Using written communication rather than verbal
Many multinational companies have resulted in using written communication than verbal. Wih written communication, one can read over and over again until he understands the intended meaning. However, with verbal communication, one cannot rewind or ask for assistance from a friend to decode the message without interrupting. Written communication may involve emails and social media platforms. However, the use of written communication has turned communication from professional to personal. This makes formal information be seen as informal which is risky for a large organization.
Frequency of giving information
How often the message is communicated determines how well the receiver will get it. Frequent communication provides the receiver with time to digest the information and decodes it accordingly. A frequently communicated message means it’s essential and should be given a more profound thought. As a way of curbing language barrier challenges, the receiver can work on the information provided to come up with a conclusive meaning of the information.
Good communication skills
In a situation where there is language barrier having excellent communication skills may assist the receiver to get the intended message better by being elaborative, calm, and negotiating. Bing angry when communicating may give a different view of the message to the receivers. Executives working in multinational corporations should be relaxed and understanding when communicating with workers.
Overcoming language barriers within a workplace
Most multinational companies translate their documents before sending the...