Exploring current situations and corporate needs of English language usage in workplace: Thai professionals’ voices to Tertiary Education

Abstract

In most organizations, at a national or an international level, English language proficiency yields great profits in job achievement and advancement. This study aimed 1) to survey current English language usage in the workplace, 2) to investigate English language needs in the workplace, and 3) for the purposes of English language instructional improvement. The participants were 450 Thai professionals. The mixed methods approach was employed in this study. The instruments used in this study were a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. The data were analyzed by using frequency and percentage.  The results showed that 1) Thai professionals perceived their English language proficiency was at a fair level, and 2) they agreed that developing their speaking skill was initially problematic; 3) that negotiation, face-to-face and on-the phone conversation, immediate questions for clarification, discussion on specific topics, speech delivery, the expression of opinions, and professional presentation and debating skills were needed in their workplace; and that English courses for general and academic communication, and for professional communication, which mainly focus on speaking skill, should be included in all curricula. This study may benefits English language teachers, course designers, and stakeholders to reconsider English courses at the tertiary level.