A study conducted in a multicultural tertiary education setting
Loading...
URL
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
School of Business |
Bachelor's thesis
Unless otherwise stated, all rights belong to the author. You may download, display and print this publication for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Authors
Date
2020
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
(Mikkeli) Bachelor’s Program in International Business
Language
en
Pages
65
Series
Abstract
Objectives The main objectives of this study were to contribute to the understanding of communication related issues in an international student environment. The understanding gained from this study could help enhance student motivation, performance, and well-being at the target organization. Summary In-depth focus group discussions and interviews were held to explore the students’ perceptions on the use of a mutual language, group cohesion, and their study motivation. The student body was divided into three focus groups, to explore the differences between Vietnamese students, who form a significant portion of the international students, and other international students. A Finnish focus group was incorporated firstly, to provide a Finnish perspective to the matter and secondly, to explore the impact that belonging to the majority on campus may have. Conclusions The findings indicate that the international students of the target organization experience negative feelings caused by the lacking use of the mutual language, English, in social settings. All participants, international and Finnish students alike, report excessive use of Finnish compared to English in social settings. These insights can be considered valuable to enhance student well-being, performance, and motivation, as well as the over-all success of the target organization.Description
Thesis advisor
Charles, MirjaliisaKeywords
English as lingua franca (ELF), group cohesion, multicultural organization, multilingual organization, study motivation, tertiary education