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

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.