A study of communication barriers and needs in English of Thai employees at a managerial level

In today's business environment, effective communication in English has become important for Thai employees at a managerial level in terms of discussion, presentation, and negotiation. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the communication barriers encountered by Thai employees at a managerial level when using English in the workplace and to identify their specific needs to enhance their English proficiency.This study utilized a quantitative approach. The participants were 51 employees who hold managerial-level positions from different departments at a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company in Bangkok. Data was obtained through questionnaires. SPSS was used to analyze the collected data in this study.The findings reveal a multitude of communication barriers experienced by Thai managerial employees, including linguistic challenges, cultural differences, fear of making mistakes, and lack of confidence. Additionally, organizational factors such as insufficient English training opportunities and limited exposure to English-speaking environments were identified as contributing factors to these barriers. Despite these challenges, Thai managerial employees expressed a strong desire to improve their English proficiency to effectively engage in international business activities and advance their careers.This study emphasizes the importance of addressing the specific communication needs of Thai managerial employees through applying language training programs and company support initiatives. By acknowledging and addressing these barriers, companies can facilitate the professional development of Thai managerial employees, enhance intercultural communication effectiveness, and ultimately enhance their overall success in global business.