Motivating Language Intensity: A Study of Wyoming Superintendents Motivating Language Use as Perceived by Their Principals

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to extend the field of motivating language theory (MLT) by providing a conceptual framework and methodology for determining low-ML and high-ML leader levels. This quantitative study, specifically, studied the Motivating Language of Wyoming K-12 superintendents operating in the role of CEOs as perceived by their principals. The results of this study found that Wyoming Superintendents with high-ML levels positively influencing employee outcomes in the areas of communication satisfaction, communication competence as well as organizational outcomes in the area of leader effectiveness. Finally, because of this study, two nascent ideas of leaders and leadership within the context of MLT have emerged: (a) the ML Intensity Score Composition and (b) the 3-D MLT Typology Matrix.