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Let’s Talk about Language: A Review of Language‐Sensitive Research in International Management

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  • Päivi Karhunen
  • Anne Kankaanranta
  • Leena Louhiala‐Salminen
  • Rebecca Piekkari

Abstract

This paper explores the assumptions underlying the core concept of language used in the growing field of language‐sensitive research in international management. We reviewed 92 articles on the topic of language(s) in multinational corporations published during the period 1997‐2015, and applied a linguistic lens to uncover how these articles ‘talk about language’. The assumptions found in these articles can be grouped into three complementary categories that take a structural, functional or social practice view of language. We go beyond the review by also reflecting on the consequences that these underlying assumptions have for the study of language in multinationals. We consider the social practice view the most promising one, and propose a future research agenda for advancing it and thereby contributing to theorizing about the multinational corporation more broadly.

Suggested Citation

  • Päivi Karhunen & Anne Kankaanranta & Leena Louhiala‐Salminen & Rebecca Piekkari, 2018. "Let’s Talk about Language: A Review of Language‐Sensitive Research in International Management," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(6), pages 980-1013, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:jomstd:v:55:y:2018:i:6:p:980-1013
    DOI: 10.1111/joms.12354
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    Cited by:

    1. Suzuki, Manami & Ando, Naoki & Nishikawa, Hidehiko, 2023. "Discontinuity of required oral and literacy skills across job roles in achieving high work performance: An fsQCA approach," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4).
    2. Golesorkhi, Sougand & Mersland, Roy & Piekkari, Rebecca & Pishchulov, Grigory & Randøy, Trond, 2019. "The effect of language use on the financial performance of microfinance banks: Evidence from cross-border activities in 74 countries," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 54(3), pages 213-229.
    3. André Hanelt & René Bohnsack & David Marz & Cláudia Antunes Marante, 2021. "A Systematic Review of the Literature on Digital Transformation: Insights and Implications for Strategy and Organizational Change," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(5), pages 1159-1197, July.
    4. Rebecca Piekkari & Susanne Tietze & Jo Angouri & Renate Meyer & Eero Vaara, 2021. "Can you Speak Covid‐19? Languages and Social Inequality in Management Studies," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(2), pages 587-591, March.
    5. Alfredo Jimenez & Jonas Holmqvist & Diego Jimenez, 2019. "Cross-Border Communication and Private Participation Projects: The Role of Genealogical Language Distance," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 59(6), pages 1009-1033, December.
    6. Iwashita, Hitoshi, 2022. "Language and identity in the shadow: A multi-case study of a Japanese multinational corporation," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(2).
    7. Summerville, Karoline M. & Chen, Victor Zitian & Shoham, Amir & Taras, Vasyl, 2024. "Speaking of diversity: Can linguistic structural differences explain cultural values toward equity, diversity, and inclusion across the globe?," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 59(1).
    8. Hokkinen, Maria & Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm, 2023. "Refugees' language learning and career aspirations: An agentic lens," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(5).
    9. Tian, Xiaocong, 2022. "The art of rhetoric: Host country political hostility and the rhetorical strategies of foreign subsidiaries in developing economies," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 57(5).
    10. Jos Hornikx & Frank Meurs & Helene Tenzer, 2024. "Foreign languages in advertising: Theoretical implications for language-related IB research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 55(2), pages 270-279, March.

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