A Phenomenological Inquiry into ESL Workplace Writing Experiences

Abstract

Workplace writing is a strand of intricate network of purposes, events, relationships, other texts, and readers. For workforces whose English is a second language (ESL), writing in the workplace demands them to understand the complex nature of workplace texts. Workplace writing is a complex process as it is situated within the dynamics of writers and texts. This study explores the complex workplace writing process through the empirical phenomenological approach. It sought to reach to an essence of the phenomenon through exploring the participants’ lived experiences. 11 millennial generation workforce’s experiences were gathered using the two-phase in-depth interviews and document analysis consisting of self-portraits and samples or workplace documentation. Their responses were analysed based on van Kaam's seven-step systematic thematic analysis. It was found that workplace writing revolved acquiring the workplace genre, a recurring process, transitions through learning and transitions to adapt to the complex social motive of the workplace. This study provides insights into education and professional preparation for specific writing.