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Exploring the language choice dilemma of international small firms: A social exchange perspective on English-only versus multilingualism

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  • Talukder, Sazzad
  • Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm

Abstract

In international business, firm-level language choices are important questions that require scarce organizational resources to deal with external stakeholders’ diverse preferences. While language choices have a major impact on the success and survival of SMEs, current knowledge of these choices is mainly based on data from MNEs, which constitutes a research gap. We help address this gap by exploring from a social exchange perspective why and how decision-makers in international small firms choose between “English-only” and “multilingual” approaches to language. We find that when evaluating the cost and benefits of these alternatives, decision-makers aim for high levels of both external and internal resource sharing. However, external language diversity and limited internal availability of relevant language competencies force them into difficult trade-offs.

Suggested Citation

  • Talukder, Sazzad & Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm, 2024. "Exploring the language choice dilemma of international small firms: A social exchange perspective on English-only versus multilingualism," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:33:y:2024:i:3:s0969593124000040
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2024.102257
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