TAIMI Researcher Rebecca Piekkari Moderated Discussions on Language and Diversity at Deusto Business School
Language and Diversity in Global Firms Discussed at Deusto Business School
Important conversations on language, diversity, and inclusion continue to shape how we understand global organizations today. Most recently, Rebecca Piekkari led another engaging academic discussion at Deusto Business School, moderating student-led roundtables focused on the theme: “The Language of Global Firms: Unity Through English or Strength in Diversity?”
The roundtables brought together students to reflect on the evolving role of language in international business environments and the ways organizations navigate communication across cultures. Discussions explored how language can both unite global teams and influence experiences of belonging, participation, and inclusion within multinational organizations.
What made the event particularly meaningful was the format itself. Rather than presenting fixed answers, the sessions encouraged dialogue, exchange of perspectives, and critical reflection. Students actively contributed their views and experiences, creating a dynamic environment where complex issues could be examined openly and thoughtfully.
As organizations continue to operate across borders and cultures, conversations around language diversity remain increasingly relevant. Questions surrounding the dominance of English in global business, the value of multilingualism, and the relationship between language and identity are becoming central to discussions on leadership, collaboration, and organizational culture.
It is encouraging to see these topics explored in different educational settings and cultural contexts, bringing fresh perspectives to challenges that many global organizations continue to face. Events like these highlight the importance of creating spaces where meaningful dialogue can support deeper understanding and more inclusive approaches to global collaboration.