Naslov
The Impact of Foreign Language Skills and Cultural Competencies on SMEs' Success in International Markets

Autori
Kostić-Bobanović, Moira ; Novak, Maja ; Bobanović, Mieta

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u zbornicima skupova, cjeloviti rad (in extenso), znanstveni

Izvornik
Managing global changes : proceedings of the Joint International Conference / Laporšek, Suzana ; Gomezelj Omerzel, Doris - Koper : Univerza na Primorskem, 2016, 31-44

ISBN
978-961-6984-81-2

Skup
Tje Joint International Conference "Management International Conference"

Mjesto i datum
Pula, Hrvatska, 01.06.2016. - 04.06.2016

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
internationalisation of SMEs, linguistic and cultural barriers, language skills and cultural competencies, language management strategies, cultural management strategies

Sažetak
The changing global economy and international settings demand high levels of foreign language skills, as well as cultural competencies to be taken into account while conducting business. In particular, top managers' and key personnel's foreign language and cultural skills emerge as being critical as a source of competitive advantage contributing to superior company performance in international markets. Based on a sample of 123 respondents employed in managerial and key personnel positions, our study examines the role and impact of foreign language skills and cultural competencies on the international performance and success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Istrian County, Croatia. Our findings support the hypothesis that foreign language skills positively affect a company’s success ; however, contrary to our expectations, there was no statistically significant support for the positive effect of cultural awareness on a company’s success. The authors suggest that it is crucial for domestic SMEs that they adopt strategies for dealing with linguistic barriers upon entering a new foreign market, as this will inevitably lead to reduction in cultural barriers as well, and help domestic companies in achieving improved international performance.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Ekonomija, Filologija

POVEZANOST RADA