A Review of the Impact of Employee English Proficiency Development on Enterprise Development Taking Japan's Rakuten Group As an Example

Abstract

In the backdrop of economic globalization, the competition among enterprises has transcended national boundaries and extended to the international arena. English, as the global lingua franca, holds a pivotal position in various domains and cross - national exchanges. This paper focuses on the "Englishization" policy implemented by Rakuten, Inc., a Japanese multinational corporation based in a non - English - speaking country. By integrating data and case studies from ten academic sources, this research delves into the consequences of Rakuten's early adoption of the Englishization policy. Initially, this policy led to the departure of employees and a loss of talent. However, through strategic adjustments in methods and welfare policies, Rakuten has emerged as a prime example of how non - English - native - speaking country companies can access overseas markets. This study conducts a systematic analysis of the Englishization initiative, examining the multi-dimensional influence of employees' English language capabilities on corporate development. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between employees' English proficiency and key aspects of business operations, including the efficiency of corporate decision-making, the effectiveness of communication, cross-cultural cooperation, and the expansion into overseas markets. Nonetheless, the early implementation of the English policy may trigger employee anxiety and talent drain. Through the implementation of scientific human resource strategies and well- designed English training programs, these negative impacts can be effectively alleviated, thereby facilitating the concurrent enhancement of employees' English skills and corporate development.