Perceived Self-Efficacy in English Business Communication Skills for Students of Economics

Abstract

The increasing use of English in international business and professional communication requires students to develop not only linguistic knowledge but also confidence to use the language effectively in different contexts. This study examines economic students’ perceived self-efficacy in using English for Business communication at a Moroccan faculty of economics and law. Drawing on Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy, the study explores students’ confidence in handling receptive, productive, interpersonal, and intercultural communication demands, using a quantitative self-report approach. The findings reveal considerable variation in students’ perceived self-efficacy across these areas, with relatively higher confidence in receptive communication skills and comparatively lower confidence in some productive and adaptive communication tasks. The findings underscore the context-sensitive nature of Business English self-efficacy, with students’ confidence shaped by the demands of particular communication tasks and situations. The study discusses the implications of these findings for Business English instruction, particularly the integration of authentic professional, interpersonal, and intercultural communication tasks, thereby providing learners with opportunities to develop greater confidence in applying English to the varied demands of professional communication.