The impact of language barriers on trust formation in multinational teams

This study systematically investigates how language barriers influence trust formation in multinational teams (MNTs). Based on 90 interviews with team members, team leaders, and senior managers in 15 MNTs in three German automotive corporations, we show how MNT members’ cognitive and emotional reactions to language barriers influence their perceived trustworthiness and intention to trust, which in turn affect trust formation. We contribute to diversity research by distinguishing the exclusively negative language effects from the more ambivalent effects of other diversity dimensions. Our findings also illustrate how surface-level language diversity may create perceptions of deep-level diversity. Furthermore, our study advances MNT research by revealing the specific influences of language barriers on team trust, an important mediator between team inputs and performance outcomes. It thereby encourages the examination of other team processes through a language lens. Finally, our study suggests that multilingual settings necessitate a reexamination and modification of the seminal trust theories by Mayer, Davis and Schoorman (1995) and McAllister (1995). In terms of practical implications, we outline how MNT leaders can manage their subordinates’ problematic reactions to language barriers and how MNT members can enhance their perceived trustworthiness in multilingual settings

How non-native English-speaking staff are evaluated in linguistically diverse organizations: A sociolinguistic perspective

The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of evaluations of non-native speaking staff?s spoken English in international business settings. We adopt a sociolinguistic perspective on power and inequalities in linguistically diverse organizations in an Anglophone environment. The interpretive qualitative study draws on 54 interviews with non-native English-speaking staff in 19 UK business schools. We analyze, along the dimensions of status, solidarity and dynamism, the ways in which non-native speakers, on the basis of their spoken English, are evaluated by themselves and by listeners. We show how such evaluations refer to issues beyond the speaker?s linguistic fluency, and have consequences for her or his actions. The study contributes to the literature on language and power in international business through offering fine-grained insights into and elucidating how the interconnected evaluative processes impact the formation and perpetuation of organizational power relations and inequalities. It also puts forward implications for managing the officially monolingual, yet linguistically diverse organizations

SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant infection elicits potent lineage-specific and cross-reactive antibodies

SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant of concern (VOC) resists neutralization by major classes of antibodies from COVID-19 patients and vaccinated individuals. Here, serum of Beta-infected patients revealed reduced cross-neutralization of wildtype virus. From these patients, we isolated Beta-specific and cross-reactive receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies. The Beta-specificity results from recruitment of VOC-specific clonotypes and accommodation of mutations present in Beta and Omicron into a major antibody class that is normally sensitive to these mutations. The Beta-elicited cross-reactive antibodies share genetic and structural features with wildtype-elicited antibodies, including a public VH1-58 clonotype targeting the RBD ridge. These findings advance our understanding of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 shaped by antigenic drift with implications for design of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics

Why and how does shared language affect subsidiary knowledge inflows? A social identity perspective

We draw on social identity theory to conceptualize a moderated mediation model that examines the relationship between shared language among subsidiary and HQ managers, and subsidiaries’ knowledge inflows from HQ. Specifically, we study (1) whether this relationship is mediated by the extent to which subsidiary managers share HQ goals and vision, and the extent to which HR decisions are centralized; and (2) whether subsidiary type moderates these mediated relationships. Building on a sample of 817 subsidiaries in nine countries/regions, we find support for our model. Implications for research on HQ-subsidiary knowledge flows, social identity theory and international HRM are discussed

Language in international business: a review and agenda for future research

A fast growing number of studies demonstrates that language diversity influences almost all management decisions in modern multinational corporations. Whereas no doubt remains about the practical importance of language, the empirical investigation and theoretical conceptualization of its complex and multifaceted effects still presents a substantial challenge. To summarize and evaluate the current state of the literature in a coherent picture informing future research, we systematically review 264 articles on language in international business. We scrutinize the geographic distributions of data, evaluate the field’s achievements to date in terms of theories and methodologies, and summarize core findings by individual, group, firm, and country levels of analysis. For each of these dimensions, we then put forward a future research agenda. We encourage scholars to transcend disciplinary boundaries and to draw on, integrate, and test a variety of theories from disciplines such as psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience to gain a more profound understanding of language in international business. We advocate more multi-level studies and cross-national research collaborations and suggest greater attention to potential new data sources and means of analysis

Health-related quality of life among patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background & AimsTo assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and to compare it with that of the general population. Also, to examine changes in HRQoL in newly diagnosed PSC patients at a follow-up 1-2years later, and to compare their HRQoL with HRQoL of newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Furthermore, sources of and need for disease-related information among PSC patients were surveyed. MethodsPrimary sclerosing cholangitis patients filled in the survey questionnaire when attending an endoscopic retrograde cholangiography examination. The 15D served as a general HRQoL instrument. The follow-up questionnaire was mailed to the newly diagnosed patients 1-2years later. ResultsNo significant difference was seen in 15D scores between PSC patients and general population, but the dimensions of excretion (P<0.001), depression (P=0.003), distress (P=0.003) and vitality (P=0.005) were significantly lower in PSC. Age and symptoms affected HRQoL but severity of biliary changes did not. Those with newly diagnosed IBD had lower 15D scores than those with PSC. No significant changes were observed in 15D scores of new PSC patients in the follow-up. Many patients were dissatisfied with information received. ConclusionNewly diagnosed PSC patients have better HRQoL than do IBD patients, and no significant HRQoL changes were observed in the mean follow-up of 1.58years after PSC diagnosis. ERC findings did not correlate with HRQoL or symptoms. HRQoL of PSC patients was mostly comparable with that of general population, but special attention should be paid to patients' psychological well-being