Abstract
Despite the substantial predominance of ESL (English Second Language) employees over native English language speakers in the South African workplace, there is not a good understanding of the communication challenges these people face in the course of their working lives. Limited language skills lead to a wide variety of communication challenges for ESL and LEP (Limited English Proficient) workers, both at a personal as well as an organisational level in the workplace. From the findings presented in this research, it is evident that both English proficiency level and the extent of the communication challenges experienced can be addressed to facilitate the rate at which language skills impede ESL employees’ integration into an organisation from the start of their working careers to the present time. Therefore, one can conclude that every effort, from either individuals or organisations, counts in developing their language and communication competency.
M.Com. (Business Management)