Conclusion and Implications

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the contributions of the entire project reported in this book, centering on the two main research questions, i.e., “How effective are English training programs in preparing employees for global business communication in the workplace?” and “What factors contribute to and hinder the effectiveness of English training programs in the workplace?” This project comprises of two stages. Stage one relies on in-depth qualitative interviews and business document study with policymakers, business employers, training providers, and working adults as well as written surveys and self-assessments with working adults to investigate the effectiveness and the existing challenges of workplace English training programs in Hong Kong and mainland China. Stage two relies on case studies to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace English training programs in three companies in mainland China. The factors influencing the training effectiveness are explored. The contributions of the book project also include a newly established workplace English training program development and implementation model for the Chinese context and the success strategies of workplace English training in the Chinese context, which are transferable to other cultural contexts. The theoretical, practical, and policy implications of the project are then discussed and the directions for further research indicated.