Development of Intercultural Communicative Competence in Business English Classes

Abstract

To successfully function in international business environments, students should be equipped with knowledge and skills of how to efficiently cooperate with representatives of other cultures. The present study aims to address the development of intercultural communicative competence in foreign language classes. The authors assert that the definition of «intercultural communicative competence» requires a more standard approach. This research is relevant since the literature review revealed a need for more research to explain the ways of developing intercultural communicative competence in Business English classes. The paper elaborates on the issue of developing intercultural communicative competence among non‐language major students in Business English classes. The paper's primary focus is the course program of The Business English elective course targeting fourth‐year students majoring in international relations, social communications, and regional studies at West Ukrainian National University. The course seeks to integrate the development of intercultural communicative competence into foreign language classes by employing interactive activities, such as role‐playing games, group projects, problem‐solving, group discussions, presentations, and participation in a final training session. The authors emphasize the importance of individual work for effective mastery of the material and developing intercultural communicative competence in classes. The authors apply the elements of the «flipped classroom» teaching principle, wherein students are expected to study a significant part of the material outside of class to apply the knowledge and develop intercultural communicative competence in the classroom. The prospects for further research include studying students' perceptions of the efficiency of various intercultural communicative competence development activities and investigating the impact of intercultural communicative competence on graduates` employment.