According to the context, Miranda is making plans for tomorrow that must
be done by Andrea that is to fetch Miranda’s husband. She dictates Andrea the next step by saying “Well, if you speak to him and he decides to rethink the
divorce... then yes, fetch away. Youre very fetching, so go fetch”. Her command
is must-be-obeyed command. It is direct, bald on record, and detail, meaning to say that her subordinates must understand exactly what Miranda instructs. Hence,
this characteristic shows the autocratic style of her.
c. Task Assignment
In giving the task assignments, a leader can be identified hisher leadership style through hisher language. In Miranda’s case, all task assignments of her
company are taken by herself. From 76 utterances about giving task assignment, 75 data of them are autocratic. Some explanations below are analysis of Miranda’s
utterance when she is giving task assignments to her subordinates.
i. 1
. “Tell Simone I’m not going to approve that girl that she sent me for the Brazilian layout.” 1CImpTaAS
That conversation takes place in Runway fashion magazine. When Miranda comes in front of the office, Emily comes to Miranda and explicitly
Miranda gives some assignments to Emily. When she gives command, she does it in imperatives way. Her command is must-be-obeyed command. In a whole
movie, she uses this type of utterance 39 times in giving the task assignment.
Miranda gives task assignment as part of Emily’s job by saying “tell Simone I’m not going to approve that girl that she sent me for the Brazilian
layout”. Her command is must-be-obeyed command. It is direct, bald on record, and detail, meaning to say that her subordinates must understand exactly what
Miranda instructs. Hence, this characteristic shows the autocratic style of her because Miranda dictates what Emily must do specifically. The utterance “tell
Simone I’m not going to approve that girl that she sent me for the Brazilian layout” shows that Miranda dictates Emily to tell Simone that Miranda is not
going to approve that girl that she sent Miranda for the Brazilian layout.
ii. 22. “I need 10 or 15 skirts from Calvin Klein.” 22RDecTaAS
When she requests something, she does it declaratively. In giving the task assignments, Miranda always dictates her subordinates in one way in order to get
things done efficiently. In a whole movie, she uses this type of utterance 19 times in giving the task assignment. Usually, Miranda says this utterance indirectly and
uses off-record strategy. The conversation takes place in Miranda’s office. Miranda calls her
assistant to come to her office, and gives her some assignments to do. By saying “I need 10 or 15 skirts from Calvin Klein”, Miranda dictates Andrea to prepare 10
or 15 skirt from Calvin Klein. It is not only statement, but also request. Miranda gives order indirectly, uses off record strategy. Even, Miranda does not tell
Andrea about what kind of skirts that Miranda needs. This request is must-be- obeyed request. Hence, this characteristic shows the autocratic style of her.
iii. 12. “That’s all.” 12CDecTaAS
The conversation above takes place in Runway office. Miranda gives command to Emily indirectly. When she gives command, sometimes Miranda
does it in declaratives way. Her command is always must-be-obeyed command. In a whole movie, she uses this type of utterance 8 times in giving the task
assignment. By saying “That’s all”, Miranda dictates what Emily must do. It is still dictating someone since Miranda dictates Emily to go out from Miranda’s
office and do the job right now. It is not only statement, but also commands. Miranda gives command indirectly, uses off record strategy. This is must-be-
obeyed command. Hence, this characteristic shows the autocratic style of her.
iv. 17. “No, no. That wasn’t a question.” 17PDecTaAS
When she gives prohibition, sometimes Miranda does it in declaratives way. Her prohibition is indirect and off record, meaning to say that her
subordinates must understand exactly what Miranda instructs. In a whole movie, she uses this type of utterances once in giving the task assignments.
This conversation happens when Miranda is interviewing Andrea for the assistant job. By saying “No, no. That wasn’t a question”, Miranda dictates
Andrea indirectly not to respond her statement because it is not a question. It is not only statement, but also prohibition for Andrea. In uttering that sentence,
Miranda’s face is very monotonous and seems like she is not interesting about Andrea. Hence, this characteristic shows the autocratic style of her.
v. 98. “Andrea, don’t forget to tell Emily.” 98PImpTaAS
