Purpose
This study aims to validate the motivating language scale developed by Mayfield et al. (1995) in the context of the hotel industries of Bangladesh and Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
For Study 1, data were collected from employees (lower and mid-level) of three to five-star hotels in Bangladesh. Customer-contact employees working in four- and five-star hotels in Malaysia participated in Study 2. Both studies featured a cross-sectional survey design.
Findings
Factor analysis revealed that both samples provided three-factor solutions for the motivating language scale in both countries. Convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity were assessed by testing with outcome variables of motivating language.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies may use all three versions of the scale (Bengali, Malay, and English) to collect data, as all three have been validated. Originality/value
By validating the Bengali and Malay versions of the motivating language scale, this study contributes to the leadership language literature, specifically that related to hotel industries in developing contexts.