Cultural fluency: the results of a UK survey

Abstract

The importance of being fluent in another language for success in foreign business has been well documented and highlighted in academic literature. However, so has being fluent in another culture, as far back as the 1950s. What is the current response of organizations operating in the UK to such exigencies? Presents the results of a survey, based on responses from 35 members of the Association of Language Excellence Centres (ALECS) in the UK from both the private and public sector and assesses the level of language and cultural fluency. Indicates that the percentage of British companies carrying out an internal foreign language audit in order to attain fluency in another country′s language is disturbingly low. In addition, those wishing to become culturally fluent are even lower. Concludes by stating that a number of business opportunities are being overlooked, not just for companies but also for training organizations.

Citation

Randlesome, C. and Myers, A. (1995), "Cultural fluency: the results of a UK survey", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 14 No. 8, pp. 42-54. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621719510097415