Leadership in innovation communities: The impact of transformational leadership language on member participation

Abstract Many organizations seek to establish online innovation communities (ICs) obtain valuable knowledge and innovative ideas, though both research practice suggest that they also struggle sustain continued, high‐quality member participation. Designated IC moderators might be able stimulate members participate regularly make contributions. In response calls integrate organizational behavior research, this study addresses the impact of community moderators’ uses transformational leadership (TFL) language on By operationalizing TFL dimensions—charisma, individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation—with cues, article an automated text analysis approach review 64 firm‐hosted ICs with 538,805 posts, analyzed two hierarchical linear models. The findings show charismatic cues enhance members’ participation quality quantity. Although consideration stimulation increase quality, decrease Organizations thus should assign lead by using strategically, in accordance focal goals, terms quantity contributions their processes. This contributes literature exploring how can facilitate development ideas. addition, offers a more nuanced view effects revealing positive negative outcomes it introduces new, objective measure built linguistic markers. includes specific guidelines for achieve effective through use, as well managerial implications selection, training, support moderators.