A4 Refereed article in a conference publication

O Translator, Where Art Thou? In-House Translators' Physical Location and Organisational Position




AuthorsRuokonen Minna, Hjort Minna

EditorsHirsto Heidi, Enell-Nilsson Mona, Keng Nicole

Conference nameWorkplace Communication II – VAKKI Symposium XXXIX

Publishing placeVaasa

Publication year2019

JournalVAKKI Publications

Book title Työelämän viestintä II, Arbetslivskommunikation II, Workplace Communication II, Kommunikation im Berufsleben II. VAKKI-symposium XXXIX 7.–8.2.2019. VAKKI Publications 10

Series titleVAKKI Publications

Number in series10

First page 95

Last page108

ISBN978-952-68538-6-4

ISSN2242-6841

Web address https://vakki.net/index.php/2019/12/31/tyoelaman-viestinta-ii/

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/53051515


Abstract

This article analyses Finnish in-house translators’ experiences regarding physical location and organisational position. We examine how translators are positioned in the organisational structure of their workplace; where they are physically situated; and how satisfied they are in these respects. We also study
whether the statutory status of Swedish as an official language is reflected in the results as compared to
other languages translated in-house. The data come from a 2018 survey with 185 respondents. The analysis
combines quantitative and qualitative methods. The results indicate that organisational position and physical location are intertwined. The respondents mostly work in the same location as their organisational unit
and find their position optimal. Satisfaction with position was particularly high with translators placed
within a communication related unit. The results show variety in whether the respondents prefer working
close to other translators or to internal commissioners or other experts. The degree of telecommuting varies, with some in-house translators working entirely from home. The results for Swedish are in line with
overall results for government translators. Lastly, we suggest further enquiry into topics such as office
plans vs. job satisfaction, the motivations behind telecommuting, and links between translator status and
agency and organisational position.


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