THE ROLE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN SUPPORTING THE UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA’S HIGH-PERFORMANCE ORGANISATION OBJECTIVES

Abstract

This research investigates the strategic significance of foreign language education (FLE) in
promoting the University of Botswana’s (UB) transformation into a high-performance
organisation (HPO). FLE is not only aligned with UB’s institutional goals: enhancing graduate
employability, expanding international engagement, and advancing research excellence, but
also plays a pivotal role in advancing Botswana’s economic diversification and diplomatic
aspirations, as outlined in Vision 2036. This research identified best practices for incorporating
FLE into professional degree programmes through qualitative document analysis and
comparative case studies of international institutions such as the National University of
Singapore, Georgetown University, and Sorbonne Abu Dhabi. Research outcomes have shown
that FLE contributes to intercultural competence and competitiveness on the labour market but
also encounters challenges like institutional resistance and limited resources that need to be
addressed. This research suggests a tailored approach for UB, advocating for policy changes,
interdepartmental language courses, and collaborative alliances to maximise the institutional
influence of FLE. This research bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing
practical insights for semi-peripheral higher education institutions to capitalise on
multilingualism as a means of enhancing academic excellence and increasing global
competitiveness.