Empowerment Flashcards
What is the definition of empowerment?
Empowerment is the delegation of responsibility to employees, allowing them to use their abilities and have a greater say in the decision-making process of the business. It requires the sharing of information, power and rewards.
What is the difference between empowerment and delegation?
Empowerment is allowing employees to act on their own behalf and delegation is giving them enough lead to act on your behalf as their manager.
What are 3 ways to empower people?
1) Sharing information with employees.
2) Give employees power.
3) Rewards.
How does sharing information empower employees?
- It suggests a high degree of trust.
- It allows them to use their abilities to incorporate new information into their job roles.
- It should enhance the quality of their performance.
How does giving power empower employees?
- It suggests that employees have gained the trust of their superiors.
- With greater power comes greater authority and responsibility.
- Results in a higher level of respect for employees who have a greater say in decision-making within the business.
How does giving rewards empower employees?
- Alongside increased responsibility, the employee would expect to see better rewards.
- This could be through a financial form (eg - bonus) or it might be through Maslow’s Higher Order Needs (eg - status).
How does Herzberg’s Dual Factor Theory link to empowerment?
Herzberg suggests that employees are motivated by challenging and meaningful work, as well as recognition, responsibility and achieving in the workplace.
Empowerment will increase commitment, creativity and satisfaction.
How can Maslow’s Physiological Needs be applied to empowerment?
Provides input for employee salaries and bonuses.
How can Maslow’s Safety and Security Needs be applied to empowerment?
- Ensures resources needed for the job are available.
- Creates an environment where employees are comfortable challenging dangerous requests.
How can Maslow’s Social Needs be applied to empowerment?
- Schedule weekly team meetings.
- Celebrate milestones as a team.
How can Maslow’s Esteem Needs be applied to empowerment?
- Recognise team members for excellent work.
- Ensure each team member understands how important they are to the project.
How can Maslow’s Self-Actualisation Needs be applied to empowerment?
- Take into account each team member’s professional goals when assigning tasks.
- Empower team members to learn and grow.
What are 3 problems with empowerment?
1) Empowered workers may not have the ability to do the job - this will impact the business performance - worsening the reputation of the business.
2) Delegating responsibility can be hard for managers.
3) Empowered worker may not be willing to accept responsibility - forcing the employee to accept the responsibility may cause demotivation - this can lead to a deterioration of performance in the organisation.
When should empowerment be used?
- When there is a Democratic or Laissez-Faire leadership style.
- When there are skilled workers.
- When employees want it to happen.
