Elements of Spiritual Leadership and its Relations to Leadership Communication in Imran Khan’s Speeches at International Forums

Muhammad Zammad Aslam (1) , Norhafezah Yusof (2) , Mohd. Khairie Ahmad (3)
(1) School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia , Malaysia
(2) School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia , Malaysia
(3) School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia , Malaysia

Abstract

The study employs Western spiritual leadership theories yet is supposed to be from an Asian-Pakistani perspective. Associating Imran Khan’s (IK) political communication with these spiritual leadership theories would transform them into the eastern-cum-Asian context. IK and other world leaders may communicate distinctively in public interaction. Because political/religious leaders in Pakistan frequently utilise religious references in their communication to persuade their supporters, mediating or moderating political communication or leadership communication accordingly. Thus, spiritual leadership ideas influence attitudes and behaviours religiously. This qualitative study analysed textual speeches employing a directed qualitative content method enhancing trustworthiness. Researchers transcribed IK’s video speeches (2008-2022) using Notta Premium. In the findings, IK cited Islam and Islamic history, knowing that his audience values a spiritual leader who speaks about religious teachings alongside political communication and understands the importance of religious spirituality. His communication may inspire local trust and optimism. However, religious implications in political communication may confound international audiences. Thus, IK utilised local spiritual/religious leadership elements to pursue Pakistanis’ devotedly influenced audience in his speeches.

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Authors

Muhammad Zammad Aslam
zammad.aslam@gmail.com (Primary Contact)
Norhafezah Yusof
Mohd. Khairie Ahmad
Author Biographies

Muhammad Zammad Aslam, School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia

Muhammad Zammad Aslam holds a master’s degree in English (Linguistics and Literature) & a degree in Master of Philosophy in English Linguistics from the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad. He is also currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Communication at Universiti Utara Malaysia. He is also a certified master trainer and an English Language instructor. His research interest includes Media and Persuasion, Political Persuasion, Political Communication, Political Discourse Analysis, and Second Language Learning and Acquisition.

Norhafezah Yusof, School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia

Professor Norhafezah Yusof is currently Dean of the AHSGS, UUMCAS, UUM. She is a Professor in the Department of Communication, SMMTC, UUM. She obtained her Ph.D. (Communication) from Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom. Her research areas are organisational communication, instructional communication, and intercultural communication. She is passionate about publishing journal articles, book chapters, and newspaper columns. She has published in reputed local and international journals.

Mohd. Khairie Ahmad, School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia

Mohd Khairie Ahmad (Ph.D. University of Queensland, 2011) is an Associate Professor in Communication Studies at the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Currently, he is serving as Dean SMMTC, UUM. His research areas are Communication and Media for Social Change, Health Communication, Political Communication, and Communication Management. Currently, Khairie is working with local and international postgraduate students on their Ph.D. and Master thesis in areas including health communication, media and journalism for social change, and communication management.

Aslam, M. Z., Yusof, N., & Ahmad, M. K. (2023). Elements of Spiritual Leadership and its Relations to Leadership Communication in Imran Khan’s Speeches at International Forums. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 23(3), 56–67. https://doi.org/10.36923/jicc.v23i3.250

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