Abstract:

Debate has long been recognised as a central mechanism of democratic governance and institutional decision-making, playing a critical role in shaping public trust, legitimacy, and collective action. While extensive research has examined political debates from rhetorical and ideological perspectives, comparatively little attention has been paid to the linguistic configurations through which institutional actors construct inclusion, authority, and collective identity, particularly within the context of European Union election debates.

Addressing this gap, this exploratory study employs Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) to analyse the 2024 European Union election debates, focusing on linguistic markers associated with leadership communication, social inclusion, emotional framing, and cognitive complexity. By examining candidates’ rhetorical patterns, the study identifies both shared and divergent linguistic strategies used to position policy agendas, manage disagreement, and appeal to collective European values. Preliminary findings reveal systematic differences in candidates’ use of inclusive language, affective tone, and power-related discourse, highlighting how linguistic choices may foster, or hinder, institutional cohesion and public engagement.

Beyond political communication, these insights contribute to broader discussions in business and management, particularly in relation to strategic leadership discourse, inclusive communication practices, and the role of language in fostering trust and impact within complex, multinational organisations. The study concludes with implications for enhancing communicative practices that support thriving together in formal institutional and organizational contexts.

Please choose your submission type: Developmental Paper

Primary Track: Leadership and Leadership Development

Keywords: Leadership skills and development;Transformational leadership in organisations;Cross-cultural studies of leadership

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Dr Ash Murray