Politeness Strategies of Congressional Budget Hearings: A Content Analysis

Politeness is more than mere etiquette; it serves as a strategic tool to navigate challenges during budget deliberations. This study examined the politeness strategies observed in congressional budget hearings in the Philippines, focusing on how appropriations committee members and government agency officials navigate institutional power dynamics and hierarchical norms. Employing a qualitative approach, specifically content analysis, the research analyzed selected texts from 31 congressional hearing transcripts. Results revealed four primary politeness strategies: bald-on-record, negative politeness, positive politeness, and off-record. Findings indicate that power dynamics and institutional norms strongly influence the choice of politeness strategy. Specifically, the Bald-on-Record strategy reflects power dynamics by asserting authority and, in terms of institutional norms, aligns with procedural conventions. Negative Politeness mitigates imposition through the use of formal addresses and titles, while Positive Politeness fosters rapport by employing approval and compliments. Off-Record strategies enable participants to avoid direct imposition through indirect communication, emphasizing the careful balance between maintaining professional decorum and achieving accountability in legislative proceedings.