LEADERSHIP AND THE LANGUAGE OF THE LEADER: IMPACTS ON SUBORDINATE PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This study examines how leaders’ language influences subordinate motivation, satisfaction, and performance within organizational settings. Drawing on theories such as Transformational Leadership, Leader-Member Exchange (LMX), Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), Speech Act Theory, and Emotional Intelligence Theory, the research explores how tone, clarity, and empathy in leader communication affect team dynamics and productivity. Using a structured questionnaire distributed to 50 respondents, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean scores and percentages. Findings revealed that clear, motivational, and respectful communication from leaders strongly enhances teamwork, confidence, and productivity, with mean scores ranging between 4.4 and 4.7. The results align with previous studies emphasizing the critical role of communication in leadership effectiveness. The study concludes that leaders’ language encompassing tone, emotional intelligence, and motivational phrasing is a strategic tool that drives engagement and organizational success. It recommends leadership training focused on strategic communication, emotional intelligence, and feedback systems that foster trust and collaboration between leaders and subordinates.