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The meaning of language skills for career mobility in the new career landscape

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  • Itani, Sami
  • Järlström, Maria
  • Piekkari, Rebecca

Abstract

The present paper establishes a relationship between language skills and career mobility. Due to increased internationalization, reduced job security, and a shift in career ownership to the individual, language skills represent a key career competence today. Using qualitative and quantitative data collected with a survey in Finland, we uncovered multiple career-related meanings for language skills. Language skills permeated the basic components of career competence – “knowing how,” “knowing why,” and “knowing whom” – and enabled respondents to cross boundaries. The respondents who possessed the best language skills also demonstrated the highest levels of both psychological and physical career mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Itani, Sami & Järlström, Maria & Piekkari, Rebecca, 2015. "The meaning of language skills for career mobility in the new career landscape," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 368-378.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:50:y:2015:i:2:p:368-378
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2014.08.003
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