Abstract

This study sets out to examine the effect on non-native speakers of utilizing English for business. Specifically, the study examines the effect of utilizing English on non-natives’ negotiation skills and marketing abilities, and the way in which fluency or vocabulary affects their bargaining power in international business. The effect of establishing English as the corporate standard is also explored. The study adopts a quasi-experimental research design to understand the effect on non-native speakers of utilizing English for business. The background information in the study covers the use of English in a business context, with specific emphasis on international corporations setting up branches in other countries. This section examines the ability of organizations to adopt English as a corporate standard and thus to exchange with international customers regardless of their cultural background. The literature review section provides an empirical and theoretical framework on how the use of English for business by non-native speakers affects business outcomes. The empirical literature review section provides practical insights, examples, and previous experiences on how the use of English affects non-native speakers compared to native speakers. The main objective of the empirical literature review is to understand the benefits, advantages, challenges, and disadvantages of the use of English for business for non-native English speakers. The theoretical literature review section gives details on theories of communication and their implications for the effect on non-native speakers of utilizing English for business. The theories included in the study are cognitive load theory, social learning theory, communication accommodation theory and cultural dimensions theory. The methodology section explains the method and techniques used in the study with respect to the design, data collection, and analysis. The study adopts a quasi-experimental research design to investigate the effect of two groups utilizing English for business. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses are used for the study results. The use of t-tests helps to compare the performance of the two groups and to understand the influence of an educational program to give training in English communication. Lastly, there is a discussion of the findings of the study with respect to the way in which the utilization of English for business by non-native speakers improves their global reach and the challenges and the benefits of using English. The study recommends qualitative research to establish the impact of training and educational programs on non-native speakers’ ability to speak and use the English language fluently in business, thus justifying the use of English as a corporate standard for international organizations.

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