A Linguistic Approach to Management Research: Leadership in Intercultural English Meetings in Asia

Abstract

A focus on language based on empirical research and field practices in management and organizational research has already been advocated (Alvesson & Karreman, 2000). However, only a handful of management and organizational studies have demonstrated reflective ways to investigate language usage in day-to-day managerial interaction. Accessibility to empirical business interaction data limits opportunities for researchers to explore any detailed examination of language and management. This article suggests simulated discussion as a way to overcome these limitations. It shows an example of a linguistic research approach using mixed quantitative and qualitative methods to understand one aspect of managerial behavior - leadership - in simulated decision-making interaction.