The Power of Words: How Does Leader’s Motivating Language Affect Employees’ Organizational Commitment

The influence of leadership on organizational outcomes has long been a subject of extensive research. Our study departs from the traditional examination of broader behavioral aspects. It focuses on a specific and nuanced element within leadership styles and approaches—motivating language. Drawing on insights from the social cognitive and motivating language literature, this study provides a more nuanced understanding of how leaders can influence organizational commitment through their language choices. We conducted an online survey of 413 full-time employees across various sectors in China. The findings indicate that leaders’ motivational communication, which includes direction-giving, empathetic, and meaning-making language, positively correlates with organizational commitment. Moreover, psychological empowerment serves as a mediator in the relationship between each type of motivating language and organizational commitment. Despite the positive link between psychological empowerment and organizational commitment, relationship conflict weakens this association.