My article on the choice of the appropriate language in multinational companies (prefer.gr)

​In recent decades, there has been intense research interest in the role of foreign languages ​​in international business. This is normal, considering the fact that, although business has always been to some extent extroverted and internationally oriented, the globalization we have been experiencing since the end of the 20th century has brought new challenges for business, including "language challenges". Globalization has affected communication throughout the world, making it easier and faster.

Therefore, businesses now have to face challenges in terms of time zones, language barriers, other perceptions and ways of thinking. In this context, the management of a multinational company is called upon to take decisions, among other things, in a language other than its mother tongue, depending on the language spoken by staff or potential partners and/or customers in a country outside the company's headquarters .

In this context, the management utilizes various strategies and solutions in order to meet the challenges of language and cultural barriers. One solution is to establish the use of a single language (mainly English) in order to support business-level decision-making. The introduction of a single corporate language has proven useful in internal and external communication, as it provides a common means of communication for all stakeholders of the business. In addition, some businesses decide to hire native speakers-residents of other countries, as it has been found that they can bring a mindset of growth, adaptability, diversity and inclusion, as well as a kind of cross-border experience to a business.

Another solution is to use translation services. Usually, translation services arise because of an urgent business need or an opportunity in another country and, more rarely, because the business has made a strategic decision to enter a new market.

Usually, these services are used for the translation of internal communication elements (e.g. minutes of the Board of Directors, staff briefings) as well as external communication (e.g. invitations to general meetings, contracts, financial information, press releases and advertising material, material required in the language of the country in which the business operates).

Each of the above solutions has its risks. The choice of the single-language policy can be seen as a means of power, which potentially causes resistance on the part of the workers. In addition, due to the incomplete knowledge of the common corporate language, a decrease in the cooperation of employees, their productivity and performance, as well as a dystopia in their representation in the collective processes of the enterprise, has been found. On the other hand, the utilization of translation services, e.g. through third-party providers, involves costs that must be taken into account by management. There is also the issue of speed of communication, which depends on the performance of the provider or employee doing the translation.

From the above it becomes clear that the ideal situation is a healthy mix of single language communication and utilization of translation services. An intermediate solution is proposed, which, on the one hand, will contribute to faster communication inside and outside the company and, on the other hand, will be a cost-effective and efficient solution in terms of critical elements of corporate communication (e.g. regulatory compliance, financials, supply contracts ).

View the original article in Greek, as well as the literature sources here