Attitudes of Undergraduates towards Improving English Language Skills and Influence on Business Productivity: A Case Study of Faculty of Applied Sciences, USJP.

Abstract

Abstract
Many large and medium scale businesses operating in Sri Lanka at present have a global aspiration. Even if a company has a domestic focus, the employee base may comprise of individuals from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, with globalization having gathered pace, the customers being those from around the world and different language originations is often inevitable and beyond the control of a business entity. Hence, there is an immense significance in the use of a common language in business interactions. English is used as a lingua franca among most of the business communities today. In this regard, it is a pre-requisite for potential employees in similar contexts to have English language competency.
However, a considerable percentage of the Sri Lankan undergraduates, who will soon become internal stakeholders of various businesses have a tendency to lack the desired level of English language skills. Assessing the attitudes of undergraduates is vital in this regard. This study aims at understanding the perceptions of the undergraduates towards improving their English language skills exploring the views and practices of the undergraduates of the Faculty of Applied Sciences in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The study obtained primary data via observations and a questionnaire survey; a statistical analysis was carried out to analyze any gaps in the attitudes of the undergraduates. Detailed findings of the study are discussed in the research paper. The analysis revealed a clear excuse-making attitude among the undergraduates. This gap in their attitudes needs to be closed and their minds need be nurtured to achieve enhanced business productivity in the future through an employee base with improved linguistic capacity.
Keywords: Business Productivity, English, Common Language, Attitudes, Undergraduates