English Communicative Competence in Saudi Workplace: Overcoming Barriers and Leveraging Opportunities

Abstract

English proficiency is a critical driver of professional success in Saudi Arabia, where it functions as a lingua franca in multinational corporations and private enterprises. This study examines the English communicative competence of Saudi employees, focusing on challenges, organizational influences, and perceived benefits within the framework of Vision 2030. Adopting a mixed-method approach, the research draws on survey data from 250 participants and semi-structured interviews with 20 professionals across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology. The findings reveal significant challenges to English proficiency, including limited exposure to English-speaking environments (41.49%), inadequate training programs (32.26%), and cultural barriers (25.81%). Organizational factors such as language policies (37.5%), training programs (35.0%), and workplace culture (27.5%) also play a pivotal role. Respondents identified career advancement (27.59%), improved job performance (25.86%), professional growth (24.14%), and networking opportunities (22.41%) as key benefits of English proficiency. Statistical analysis demonstrated consistent recognition across these categories, with a mean percentage (M=25.00%) and no statistically significant differences (χ² (3) = 1.55, p = 0.670). This study underscores the multifaceted nature of English communicative competence and its implications for professional development in Saudi workplaces. It advocates for tailored training programs, intercultural communication initiatives, and robust language policies to create an enabling environment for English proficiency. These strategies are essential for advancing individual careers and enhancing organizational competitiveness in a globalized economy.