The language barrier and its implications for HQ‐subsidiary relationships

Datos Bibliográficos

ID20501745
AutoresAnne-Wil Harzing (0000-0003-1509-3003, The University of Melbourne), Anne‐Wil Harzing, Alan J Feely
Año2008
Volumen15
Número1
Páginas49-61
Fecha de publicación2008-02-08
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaCross Cultural Management An International Journal (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1352-7606 • E-ISSN: 1758-6089
EditorialEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/13527600810848827
OpenAlexW2106208206
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas61
Referencias citadas32

Purpose This paper intends to open up the debate on the influence of language on the way multinational companies manage their subsidiary operations. Design/methodology/approach The authors explain the importance of the field and expose a dearth of prior research. Subsequently, they define the “language barrier” and elaborate on the causes underlying this barrier, drawing on social identity theory. Findings The authors we propose an integrative model that consists of two coupled vicious cycles: the communications cycle – composed of the eight aspects of the language barrier – and the management cycle. Research limitations/implications This contribution to an otherwise ignored field of business study should be considered only a first step in opening up a new research agenda. Specialists in each of the fields touched upon are invited to make a contribution to the debate. Practical implications The management cycle suggests implications of the language barrier for various aspects of the HQ‐subsidiary relationship: strategic decision‐making, organization and personnel selection, global integration strategies, and autonomy and control procedures. Originality/value This paper uses socio‐linguistic theory to define and elaborate on the construct of the language barrier, a construct which is believed will be helpful in furthering research on the impact of language‐difference on multinational management

Autonomy · Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Knowledge management · Language barrier · Management science · Multinational corporation · Originality · Political science · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Engineering · Innovation and Knowledge Management · International Business and FDI · International Student and Expatriate Challenges · Artificial Intelligence