The Role of Language and Communicative Abilities in Transnational Labor Markets: Experiences from Finland

Abstract

The article aims to explain what kind of intercultural communication competence is needed in border crossing labor markets. The experiences of international higher education students and information and communications technology (ICT) experts are analyzed in different Finnish working and educational environments. We seek answers to the following questions: How are language and communicative abilities tied to individuals´ ability to participate in transnational labor markets? How is a valid intercultural communication competence produced in transnational settings? According to our results, the intercultural communication competence of individual job seekers is not evaluated in the recruitment situation, but employees are expected to acquire the necessary skills on the job. However, students and ICT experts face communication problems and marginalization due to inadequate communication skills. Even though the organization may facilitate intercultural communication and collaboration by structuring work and communication processes, it nevertheless demands a marked dedication to learning for individuals to succeed in a multicultural work organization.