Hablas vielleicht un peu la mia language? A comprehensive overview of the role of language differences in headquarters-subsidiary communication

Article

Harzing, A. and Pudelko, M. 2014. Hablas vielleicht un peu la mia language? A comprehensive overview of the role of language differences in headquarters-subsidiary communication. The International Journal of Human Resource Management. 25 (5), pp. 696-717. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2013.809013
TypeArticle
TitleHablas vielleicht un peu la mia language? A comprehensive overview of the role of language differences in headquarters-subsidiary communication
AuthorsHarzing, A. and Pudelko, M.
Abstract

The management of human resources in headquarters (HQ)-subsidiary relationships requires intensive communication, but effective communication often depends on having a shared language. Hence, language differences can be a serious threat to the successful management of human resources in multinational corporations (MNCs). In this large-scale quantitative study, encompassing data from more than 800 subsidiaries in thirteen countries, we investigated four related issues.
First, in terms of the importance of language differences, we found that HQ-subsidiary relationships are clearly affected by language differences and that the latter form a distance category of their own, which should not be subsumed under the related, but separate concept of cultural differences. Second, regarding the consequences of language differences for communication outcomes, we found that a lack of a shared language is associated with misunderstanding, conflict and parallel information networks which could harm HQ-subsidiary interactions.
Third, with regard to the impact of language differences on communication methods, we found that alack of a shared language is associated witha significantly lower level of oral (face-to-face and phone) communication, but not written communication. Fourth, and finally, in terms of a potential solution to communication problems caused by language differences, we found that expatriates can facilitate both communication and knowledge transfer between HQ and subsidiaries.

Keywordscommunication, expatriation, headquarters–subsidiary relationship, language differences, multinational corporations
Research GroupInternational and Cross-cultural Management group
PublisherTaylor & Francis (Routledge)
JournalThe International Journal of Human Resource Management
ISSN0958-5192
1466-4399
Publication dates
Print09 Mar 2014
Online21 Jun 2013
Publication process dates
Deposited26 Mar 2015
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
Copyright Statement

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Human Resource Management on 21/06/2013, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09585192.2013.809013

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2013.809013
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84890794858
LanguageEnglish
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