"Does business know how?" The role of communication in the business know-how of globalized operations
This project examines communication conventions and characteristics in globalized and globalizing companies. Our ultimate aim is to show that communication knowhow is an integral part of business knowhow, while our practical aim is to identify features that (are perceived to) contribute to 'successful communication'. For this purpose, perceptions of 'successful communication' will be mirrored against authentic communications. Particular attention will be given to communication where English is used as a lingua franca, mostly among non-native speakers.
The project has 5 senior researchers: 3 from the Helsinki School of Economics, where the project is based, one from the University of Nijmegen, and one from the University of Milan; 5 PhD students, and an Advisory Board comprising specialists in different areas and from different countries - USA, Austria, and Denmark, in addition to Finland.
The project is divided into sub-projects, each with a different focus. Sub-project 1 approaches 'communication success' first from the perspective of those who communicate, and secondly, from the perspective of authentic data, which will be analyzed. Sub-project 2 examines the way intranets are used in companies to fulfil collaboration, knowledge sharing, and communication needs. Sub-project 3 analyses meetings between multicultural workforces. It examines firstly communication failures, their causes and possible ways to prevent them, and secondly decision-making processes. Sub-project 4 focuses on Investor relations communications, and tries to identify success factors in IR presentations. Sub-project 5 studies the globalizing process, i.e. how a domestic player becomes a global one, and the communication challenges it faces.
We aim to produce knowledge about communication for use in business education and training. The research results are therefore expected to interest both academia and businesses.
For more information:
Mirjaliisa Charles, Project leader
Professor
Department of Languages and Communication
Helsinki School of Economics
Runeberginkatu 14-16
00100 Helsinki
Finland
Tel. +358-9-470 38338
Email: Leena.Louhiala-Salminen(at)hse.fi