ERIC Number: ED650588
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 227
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3635-0351-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Building Equity for English Language Learners: Technology Employees in Fortune 500 Companies
Karen Anne Travis
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, University of Southern California
Given the labor shortage of highly skilled technical professionals in the United States and the influx of English Language Learners (ELLs) to address this, and predictions for this trend to continue and accelerate, organizations must provide equity to harness the full potential of ELLs. Equity focused on ELLs will deliver increased profitability, innovation, and organizational climate improvement opportunities. The study population comprised ELLs working in technology roles at Fortune 500 companies in January and February 2022. In total, 23 ELLs completed a 50-question survey, and seven completed a 1-hour interview. Based on survey data, participants speak 16 languages (other than English) and represent all generations in the working population from 18-65. Overall, 17% of respondents spoke three or more languages, including English, 38% were born in the United States, and 62% were born outside the United States in seven different countries. Then, 50% of respondents indicated they prefer speaking English with family and friends even when not at work. ELLs participating in this study are highly educated, with 20% holding a doctoral degree, 60% holding a master's degree, and 20% holding a bachelor's degree. Participants were supervisors, team leaders, and individual contributors. The study intentionally excluded senior-level executives. The research and the literature indicate that organizations must create equity focused on ELLs. In particular, surveys and interviews identified oral presentation skills as an area of interest for ELLs. The study presents five recommendations, including creating a community of practice focused on building ELLs' presentation skills. The literature and a cost-benefit analysis support the recommendations as methodologically sound and cost-effective, offering organizations opportunities to improve bottom-line results. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Equal Education, English Language Learners, English (Second Language), Technology, Business, Speech Skills, Organizational Climate, Organizational Development, Communities of Practice, Language Proficiency, Skill Development
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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