ENGLISH COMMUNICATION NEEDS ANALYSIS FOR EXECUTIVE LEADERS IN INDONESIA'S URBAN RAIL TRANSIT INDUSTRY

Abstract

This study explores the English communication needs of executive leaders in Indonesia’s urban rail transit industry and provides a foundation for developing an Executive English Program. A mixed-methods workplace needs analysis was conducted involving ten professionals occupying managerial and executive positions across multiple organizational functions. Data were collected through a structured needs analysis questionnaire, open-ended responses, and one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis and triangulated across sources. The findings revealed that English was primarily used for interactive oral communication, meetings, presentations, negotiations, and written professional communication. Despite the frequent use of English in workplace settings, participants reported challenges related to speaking fluency, understanding fast speech, professional vocabulary use, and communication confidence. Analysis of participants’ expected learning outcomes identified five priority competencies: Executive Speaking and Communication Confidence, Strategic Listening for Professional Communication, Communication for Meetings and International Collaboration, Negotiation and Contract-Related Communication, and Integrated Professional English Competence. The study contributes to ESP needs-analysis research by extending workplace communication investigations to executive leaders in the urban rail transit industry. The findings provide practical guidance for designing workplace-oriented Executive English Programs that emphasize authentic communication tasks and professional performance.