JOURNAL OF LEADERSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY AND ETHICS
An Analysis of Leader and Subordinate
Perception of Motivating Language
Author(s): Susan A. Simmons, William C. Sharbrough III
Citation: Susan A. Simmons, William C. Sharbrough III, (2013) "An Analysis of Leader and Subordinate Perception of Motivating Language," Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, Vol. 10, Iss. 3, pp. 11 - 27
Article Type: Research paper
Publisher: North American Business Press
Abstract:
A leader’s motivating language (ML)—i.e. uncertainty reduction, corporate culture explanation, and
expression of shared feelings—has the goal of bridging the distance between leader intent and employee
understanding to positively influence employee outcomes. This study explores the effects of supervisors’
ML on employees’ job satisfaction, perceived supervisor communication competence, communication
satisfaction, and perceived leader effectiveness for two groups: employees with supervisory roles and
those without supervisory roles. Multivariate data analysis results indicate that the influence of the three
forms of ML communication on key employee outcomes varies for those who hold supervisor positions
and those who do not.