Motivating language theory

Motivating language theory (ML) is an academic theory within the broader field of communication. The theory was originally proposed by J. Sullivan in 1988 as a framework for studying effective communication from leaders to followers^[1]. There are three types of languages used in leader communication: direction-giving, emotion-sharing, and meaning-making. Sullivan suggests that the most effective leaders combine all three language types in their communication.

ML and its effectiveness have been studied in business^[2], education^[3], government^[4], and religion^[5].

References

^ Sullivan, Jeremiah J. (1988). "Three Roles of Language in Motivation Theory". The Academy of Management Review. 13 (1): 104–115. doi:10.2307/258358. ISSN 0363-7425.
^ Tengblad, Stefan (2006-11). "Is there a 'New Managerial Work'? A Comparison with Henry Mintzberg's Classic Study 30 Years Later*". Journal of Management Studies. 43 (7): 1437–1461. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6486.2006.00651.x. ISSN 0022-2380. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
^ Mayfield, Milton; Mayfield, Jacqueline (2016-10). "The Effects of Leader Motivating Language Use on Employee Decision Making". International Journal of Business Communication. 53 (4): 465–484. doi:10.1177/2329488415572787. ISSN 2329-4884. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
^ Wilson, Suze (2020-06). "Pandemic leadership: Lessons from New Zealand's approach to COVID-19". Leadership. 16 (3): 279–293. doi:10.1177/1742715020929151. ISSN 1742-7150. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
^ "Perception of Motivating Language by Leaders in a Christian Denomination: Comparing Communication Effectiveness Through Digital and Traditional Channels - ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 2023-10-20.

[1] Sullivan, Jeremiah J. (1988). "Three Roles of Language in Motivation Theory". The Academy of Management Review. 13 (1): 104–115. doi:10.2307/258358. ISSN 0363-7425.

[2] Tengblad, Stefan (2006-11). "Is there a 'New Managerial Work'? A Comparison with Henry Mintzberg's Classic Study 30 Years Later*". Journal of Management Studies. 43 (7): 1437–1461. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6486.2006.00651.x. ISSN 0022-2380. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

[3] Mayfield, Milton; Mayfield, Jacqueline (2016-10). "The Effects of Leader Motivating Language Use on Employee Decision Making". International Journal of Business Communication. 53 (4): 465–484. doi:10.1177/2329488415572787. ISSN 2329-4884. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

[4] Wilson, Suze (2020-06). "Pandemic leadership: Lessons from New Zealand's approach to COVID-19". Leadership. 16 (3): 279–293. doi:10.1177/1742715020929151. ISSN 1742-7150. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

[5] "Perception of Motivating Language by Leaders in a Christian Denomination: Comparing Communication Effectiveness Through Digital and Traditional Channels - ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 2023-10-20.

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