Empowerment is the process of authorizing or enabling an individual to behave, think, control or take action, and make decisions in an autonomous manner (Durai, 2010). It is the state of being self-enabled to take control of one’s destiny. It is a process that challenges ones assumptions about how things are perceived, and enhances decision making in overcoming such assumptions and challenges.
Central to the empowerment process are actions, which build both individual and collective assets, and improve fairness and efficiency. This ensures increased productivity, accountability and efficiency among employees. Giving employees authority, power, opportunities, skills, and resources, as well as holding them responsible or accountable for their actions, contributes to increased productivity and competence (Durai, 2010).
Empowerment acts as a motivational element where workers feel free to choose and act. This, in turn, influences decisions on their lives and at work. Motivating employees does not only mean issuing awards or recognition, but also involves empowering them so that they feel free to make choices (Durai, 2010). It also increases the sense of contentment to the employees as they feel at peace while conducting their duties.
Empowerment creates valued mindsets among workers; when an employer empowers an employee to direct and make their own decisions, the employees feel trusted. Then appreciation of being trusted translates to ethics, recommended behavior, and willingness to do beyond what is expected. This leads to increased levels of initiative ideas and business growth (Durai, 2010).
Empowerment also facilitates team building where skills and ideas are shared (Durai, 2010). Given the authority to direct their work, employees work together in unison. This allows brainstorming, specialization, division of duties, and improved problem solving skills, which enable fast accomplishment of projects and objectives.
References.
Durai, P. (2010). Human resource management. Chennai: Pearson.
