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Circular Leadership Communication and Employee Engagement: Trends, Gaps, and Future Pathways

Author

Listed:
  • Norhafiza Hashim

    (Faculty of Business and Management, University Technology MARA Cawangan Kedah, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia)

  • Nor Ananiza Azhar

    (Faculty of Business and Management, University Technology MARA Cawangan Kedah, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia)

  • Roseamilda Mansor

    (Faculty of Business and Management, University Technology MARA Cawangan Kedah, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia)

  • Mohd Firdaus Ruslan

    (Faculty of Business and Management, University Technology MARA Cawangan Kedah, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia)

  • Kamarudin Othman

    (Faculty of Business and Management, University Technology MARA Cawangan Kedah, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia)

  • Mohd Shafiz Saharan

    (Faculty of Business and Management, University Technology MARA Cawangan Kedah, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia)

Abstract

Employee engagement is central to organizational success yet sustaining it in today’s dynamic work environment remains challenging. While ethical and communicative leadership has been well studied, recent shifts—digitalization, hybrid work, and sustainability—demand a broader perspective on leadership communication. This paper reviews emerging and enduring themes linking leadership communication and employee engagement. Three consistent drivers are identified: (1) ethical leadership that builds trust and integrity; (2) engagement in remote and hybrid work supported by digital proficiency and inclusiveness; and (3) the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize communication and provide timely feedback. A novel direction is the integration of circular economy principles, showing how sustainability-oriented communication can motivate employees and align engagement with environmental and social goals. These findings extend traditional leadership and communication models by adding digital and sustainability perspectives. Practically, the study emphasizes the need for leaders to adopt inclusive and dialogic communication, cultivate ethical conduct, and apply AI carefully to support belonging and performance without losing authenticity. It also outlines pathways for aligning employee engagement strategies with sustainability goals through circular leadership communication. Overall, the review suggests that both well-established and emerging approaches to leadership communication are critical for maintaining engagement in increasingly digital and globally connected workplaces. By integrating trust-building, technology, and sustainability, organizations can develop resilient, adaptable, and committed workforces prepared for the future of work.

Suggested Citation

  • Norhafiza Hashim & Nor Ananiza Azhar & Roseamilda Mansor & Mohd Firdaus Ruslan & Kamarudin Othman & Mohd Shafiz Saharan, 2025. "Circular Leadership Communication and Employee Engagement: Trends, Gaps, and Future Pathways," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 9112-9124, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:9112-9124
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alan Murray & Keith Skene & Kathryn Haynes, 2017. "The Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of the Concept and Application in a Global Context," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 140(3), pages 369-380, February.
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