The role of emotions in intercultural business communication: Language standardization in the context of international knowledge transfer

Qiu Wang, Jeremy Clegg, Hanna Gajewska-De Mattos and Peter Buckley

Journal of World Business, 2020, vol. 55, issue 6

Abstract: We examine language standardization in a multinational enterprise in the context of international knowledge transfer treated as an act of communication. Based on psychological theories of emotions and a qualitative study of a Chinese owned company with English as a working language, we find that both native and non-native English-speakers experience anxiety in intercultural communication. This triggers emotions that are culturally predisposed affecting communication behavior. We provide a framework within which intercultural business communication takes place and demonstrate the intermediating role that emotions play when language is standardized.

Keywords: Emotions; Intercultural business communication; Language standardization; MNE knowledge transfer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2018.11.003

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