The purpose of this article is to provide insight into how leaders obtain their power through language use. The thesis defended is that, at its best, the language of power in leadership activates specific linguistic functions in prescribed ways. This thesis draws on three subordinate arguments. First, to the extent that leadership is a relationship resting on voluntary obedience, it is through a process of authorisation that leaders obtain their power. Second, the way language functions are instantiated in communication determines whether social interactions are authoritative or authoritarian. The view advanced is that noble language characterises the former, base language the latter. Third and consequently, the power of leaders develops from their use of noble language. Contrasting examples illuminate this article's thesis. An agenda for leadership research and education is then outlined.

本文的目的是深入了解领导者如何通过语言使用获得权力。所捍卫的论点是，在最好的情况下，领导力的权力语言以规定的方式激活特定的语言功能。本论文借鉴了三个从属论点。首先，就领导力是一种建立在自愿服从基础上的关系而言，领导者是通过授权过程获得权力的。其次，语言功能在交流中的实例化方式决定了社会互动是权威的还是权威的。先进的观点是高贵的语言是前者，贱语是后者。第三，因此，领导者的权力来自于他们使用高尚的语言。对比示例阐明了本文的论点。