The Globalized Business Landscape

We often hear that the world is getting smaller as it becomes more and more globalized at an alarming rate. In 2018, it is arguable that there is no better way to get a clear and basic understanding of the concept of global business than through a fresh dialogue between education policy and the legal and ethical landscape of business.

Language skills, specifically multilingualism, are undeniable assets invaluable to navigating the legal and ethical environment of global business. When you think about languages in business, more often than not the first thing that comes to mind is the ability to communicate with clients and other stakeholders. While this is undeniably true, the necessity of having language skills within any and every organization, including those that conduct business across borders, cannot be overstated.

Without the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, companies risk creating a language barrier between themselves and their clients. Many people may not know that translation is not the same thing as interpretation. Interpretation refers to the transmission of something that has already been written down or said (i.e., speech). Translation, on the other hand, refers to the writing down of something that has already been interpreted. Thus, the difference between them is equivalent to the difference between communication and language. If translation is not accurate, a business may find itself in the precarious position of being unable to communicate with clients, partners, and other relevant parties. Legal and ethical problems are likely to ensue.

And yet, further still to be considered is the fact that translation is a costly endeavor. Thus, with every inaccurate translation made, companies find themselves losing not only their capital but exposure within the market. Taking the right steps to ensure accuracy by ensuring that proper resources are put into the production of materials ensures that organizations may better address the legal and ethical environment of businesses.

Language education is a crucial tool in preparing future leaders for the global marketplace. With the emergence of more bilingual and trilingual programs in countries such as Canada, the UK, and those across Asia, we can expect to see the number of people with access to multilingual education steadily increasing. The benefits of multilingualism in the legal and ethical environment of business cannot be understated. In addition to being exposed to different languages, students become aware of their native tongue and of the role that language plays in their identity. This awareness allows them to better understand the relationship between language and how it impacts law and ethics. The concept of ethical decision-making can similarly be better understood through exposure to different languages and potential barriers to communication within the future global marketplace.