Speech and language therapists’ perceptions of corporate practice in South Africa
Background: Corporate speech and language therapy (CSALT) is an emerging field that extends the role of speech and language therapists (SALTs) into corporate environments, enhancing workplace communication and interpersonal skills. While internationally recognised, CSALT remains underexplored in Sou...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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AOSIS
2025-06-01
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| Series: | South African Journal of Communication Disorders |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/1100 |
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| _version_ | 1850111461125259264 |
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| author | Ntandoyenkosi L. Msomi Suvishka Barath Andrew J. Ross |
| author_facet | Ntandoyenkosi L. Msomi Suvishka Barath Andrew J. Ross |
| author_sort | Ntandoyenkosi L. Msomi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Corporate speech and language therapy (CSALT) is an emerging field that extends the role of speech and language therapists (SALTs) into corporate environments, enhancing workplace communication and interpersonal skills. While internationally recognised, CSALT remains underexplored in South Africa, where linguistic and cultural diversity present challenges and opportunities for its integration.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore South African SALTs’ perceptions of CSALT.
Method: A qualitative research approach was employed, grounded in a constructivist paradigm. Semi-structured interviews with seven SALTs were conducted and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The study was conducted through remote interviews via Microsoft Teams.
Results: Participants emphasised the relevance of CSALT in enhancing workplace communication, particularly in multilingual and culturally diverse corporate environments. Essential competencies for effective CSALT practice included business acumen, voice training and cultural competence, with a strong focus on understanding corporate communication styles. However, several barriers to CSALT were noted, such as limited public awareness, misconceptions about CSALT, accessibility challenges and insufficient academic preparation. Participants highlighted the need for greater recognition of CSALT and the development of more inclusive service delivery models to support its integration.
Conclusion: CSALT can potentially improve workplace communication and inclusivity in South Africa. However, its growth is hindered by accessibility challenges and a lack of CSALT-specific training. Addressing these barriers could support its integration into national workforce development strategies.
Contribution: This study highlights the potential to expand SALTs’ scope of practice and contribute to the global discourse on speech and language therapy in corporate health. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d6023a350b71412083a2bda30e31ebdc |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 0379-8046 2225-4765 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | AOSIS |
| record_format | Article |
| series | South African Journal of Communication Disorders |
| spelling | doaj-art-d6023a350b71412083a2bda30e31ebdc2025-08-20T02:37:36ZengAOSISSouth African Journal of Communication Disorders0379-80462225-47652025-06-01721e1e810.4102/sajcd.v72i1.1100774Speech and language therapists’ perceptions of corporate practice in South AfricaNtandoyenkosi L. Msomi0Suvishka Barath1Andrew J. Ross2Department of Family Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, DurbanDepartment of Family Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, DurbanDepartment of Family Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, DurbanBackground: Corporate speech and language therapy (CSALT) is an emerging field that extends the role of speech and language therapists (SALTs) into corporate environments, enhancing workplace communication and interpersonal skills. While internationally recognised, CSALT remains underexplored in South Africa, where linguistic and cultural diversity present challenges and opportunities for its integration. Objectives: This study aimed to explore South African SALTs’ perceptions of CSALT. Method: A qualitative research approach was employed, grounded in a constructivist paradigm. Semi-structured interviews with seven SALTs were conducted and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The study was conducted through remote interviews via Microsoft Teams. Results: Participants emphasised the relevance of CSALT in enhancing workplace communication, particularly in multilingual and culturally diverse corporate environments. Essential competencies for effective CSALT practice included business acumen, voice training and cultural competence, with a strong focus on understanding corporate communication styles. However, several barriers to CSALT were noted, such as limited public awareness, misconceptions about CSALT, accessibility challenges and insufficient academic preparation. Participants highlighted the need for greater recognition of CSALT and the development of more inclusive service delivery models to support its integration. Conclusion: CSALT can potentially improve workplace communication and inclusivity in South Africa. However, its growth is hindered by accessibility challenges and a lack of CSALT-specific training. Addressing these barriers could support its integration into national workforce development strategies. Contribution: This study highlights the potential to expand SALTs’ scope of practice and contribute to the global discourse on speech and language therapy in corporate health.https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/1100corporate practicespeech and language therapycultural competencesouth africacultural sensitivity |
| spellingShingle | Ntandoyenkosi L. Msomi Suvishka Barath Andrew J. Ross Speech and language therapists’ perceptions of corporate practice in South Africa South African Journal of Communication Disorders corporate practice speech and language therapy cultural competence south africa cultural sensitivity |
| title | Speech and language therapists’ perceptions of corporate practice in South Africa |
| title_full | Speech and language therapists’ perceptions of corporate practice in South Africa |
| title_fullStr | Speech and language therapists’ perceptions of corporate practice in South Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Speech and language therapists’ perceptions of corporate practice in South Africa |
| title_short | Speech and language therapists’ perceptions of corporate practice in South Africa |
| title_sort | speech and language therapists perceptions of corporate practice in south africa |
| topic | corporate practice speech and language therapy cultural competence south africa cultural sensitivity |
| url | https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/1100 |
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