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Article
Publication date: 30 September 2014

Steven H. Appelbaum, Robin Karasek, Françis Lapointe and Kim Quelch

The purpose of the paper is to uncover and synthesise the main factors that affects and determines the success or failure of empowerment initiatives from a macro and micro…

4101

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to uncover and synthesise the main factors that affects and determines the success or failure of empowerment initiatives from a macro and micro perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of scholarly articles and empirical evidence was conducted on the topic of empowerment in order to bring to light the correlation between the different factors affecting structural empowerment, psychological empowerment and the effect of leadership style.

Findings

It has been determined that a team based structure and a culture based on trust and open communication are the key factors affecting the successful implementation of empowerment. Furthermore, although, many positive points can be made for transformational leadership, transactional leadership cannot be discounted as the research shows that the right combination of incentives and rewards, coupled with a certain organisational culture can breed empowerment among certain types of employees.

Research limitations/implications

Going forward in terms of research on the increasingly popular concept of empowerment, it is believed that a more fully integrated model should be developed. Although some models do incorporate analysis of various macro and micro variables a more comprehensive and encompassing model would prove useful. Such a model would allow for a far more in-depth understanding of empowerment and its defining factors and would provide an invaluable tool to organisations wishing to implement empowerment in the most optimal way.

Practical implications

In applying a combination of theories on empowerment, leadership and individuals as part of an organisation, the authors posit that empowerment initiatives are predisposed to either success or failure. In order for empowerment to permeate the corporate culture and prove successful, the predispositions of decentralised management and personal ambition are strong factors of success.

Social implications

The authors postulate that the deciding factors regarding the success or failure of empowering an employee originate from the employees themselves. Even though employees can adopt new corporate cultures and be transformed by their leaders, their core traits remain the same and will have a decisive impact on the eventual success or failure of empowerment initiatives.

Originality/value

Going forward in terms of research on the increasingly popular concept of empowerment, it is believed that a more fully integrated model should be developed. Although some models do incorporate analysis of various macro and micro variables, a more comprehensive and encompassing model would prove useful.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 46 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2017

Rabindra Kumar Pradhan, Madhusmita Panda and Lalatendu Kesari Jena

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of transformational leadership in psychological empowerment in Indian retail industry. This study also tries to examine whether…

3821

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of transformational leadership in psychological empowerment in Indian retail industry. This study also tries to examine whether organizational culture plays a mediating role in the relationships between transformational leadership and psychological empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 310 respondents was randomly selected from different Indian retail organizations for the study. Data collections were carried out using a set of standardized questionnaires. Raw data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and process plugin of Hayes for mediation analysis.

Findings

The empirical investigations of the study have shown that transformational leadership is positively related to psychological empowerment. The study also found partial mediation of organizational culture between transformational leadership and psychological empowerment.

Research limitations/implications

First of all, the sample size of the study is relatively small (n=310). The study is limited to the employees of eastern Indian retail organizations. Second, the common method bias is presumed to influence and inflate the relationships between the variables of the study as the data on all three variables were collected at the same point of time from respondents.

Practical implications

The road map presented in this paper may be helpful for the retail executives to diagnose organizational culture and leadership styles prevailing in the organization and their influence on psychological empowerment. The study may be helpful for retail managers to develop a desirable culture through the practice of transformational leadership that would enhance the empowerment process.

Originality/value

This paper adds value to the limited body of knowledge about the association among transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, and organizational culture. The findings presented in this paper would be beneficial for Indian researchers, OD experts and organization scientists in developing a culture of empowerment by the help of transformational leadership. Unique statistical tools have been used for mediation analysis.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Marjolein C.J. Caniëls, Carmen Neghina and Nico Schaetsaert

The aim of this study is to empirically test the link between employee ambidexterity and two supportive organizational cultures, namely, a perceived culture of empowerment and a…

3841

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to empirically test the link between employee ambidexterity and two supportive organizational cultures, namely, a perceived culture of empowerment and a knowledge-sharing culture. Furthermore, the paper addresses the mechanisms through which these supportive organizational cultures work to enable employees to engage in ambidextrous behaviour. Specifically, the role of intrinsic motivation is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 136 managers employed in the five main Belgian service sectors.

Findings

The findings indicate that a perceived culture of empowerment is positively related to intrinsic motivation, which in turn facilitates employee ambidexterity. Also, a moderating effect of extrinsic motivation on employee ambidextrous behaviour is found. At the same time, a perceived knowledge-sharing culture is having no effect on ambidexterity or intrinsic motivation.

Research limitations/implications

Insights into the roles of individuals in achieving ambidexterity help to advance the theoretical understanding of how a supportive organizational context may enhance employee ambidexterity.

Originality/value

Despite the growing body of research on antecedents of ambidexterity, there is still lack of thorough understanding of how a supportive organizational context may enhance employee ambidexterity and the roles of individuals in achieving ambidexterity. This is one of the first studies that investigate these factors in relation to individual level ambidexterity (as opposed to organization level ambidexterity).

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2020

Radoslaw Nowak

This paper aims to provide an alternative explanation for how organizations could increase levels of organizational identification, in turn reducing employee turnover intention…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an alternative explanation for how organizations could increase levels of organizational identification, in turn reducing employee turnover intention. Specifically, the study empirically tests the joint effect of two types of organizational resources – structural empowerment and serving culture (SE*SC) – on employee identification. Moreover, it investigates the mediating effect of organizational identification on the relationship between the joint effect (SE*SC) and turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected in 2018 from employees working in a higher education institution located in the USA. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model.

Findings

Statistical analysis reveals the positive joint effect (SE*SC) on organizational identification and the mediating effect of identification on the relationship between the joint effect (SE*SC) and turnover intention.

Originality/value

This study contributes to past research by revealing a new important mechanism. Business organizations could increase levels of employee identification and, in turn, reduce turnover by providing empowering resources that allow employees to successfully complete their jobs. Moreover, the study also contributes to practice by providing some recommendations that managers may implement to improve internal effectiveness in their respective organizations.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Dong Kyoon Yoo, S. Subba Rao and Paul Hong

This paper seeks to present an international comparative study on cultural differences and quality practices of four countries – Korea, USA, Mexico, and Taiwan. The paper aims to…

4986

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an international comparative study on cultural differences and quality practices of four countries – Korea, USA, Mexico, and Taiwan. The paper aims to present a model, which depicts the relationships among cultures (i.e. power distance and collectivism), employee empowerment, and quality results (i.e. internal and external quality results).

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a discriminant analysis were employed to test hypotheses following the research model. Using reliable and valid instruments, data from four countries were collected on employee empowerment, and internal and external quality results to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that collectivistic cultures, not power distance cultures, make a significant difference in employee empowerment, employee empowerment plays an important role in enhancing quality results in the four countries, and successful employee empowerment practices are not uniform across countries.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution to revealing the relationships among cultures, employee empowerment, and quality practices at the international level of study and to evoking managerial insights to multinational firms.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 23 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Steven H. Appelbaum, Robin Karasek, Francis Lapointe and Kim Quelch

The purpose of this paper is to uncover and synthesise the main factors that affects and determines the success or failure of empowerment initiatives from a macro and micro…

3766

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover and synthesise the main factors that affects and determines the success or failure of empowerment initiatives from a macro and micro perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of scholarly articles and empirical evidence was conducted on the topic of empowerment in order to bring to light the correlation between the different factors affecting structural empowerment, psychological empowerment and the effect of leadership style.

Findings

It has been determined that a team based structure and a culture based on trust and open communication are the key factors affecting the successful implementation of empowerment. Furthermore, although, many positive points can be made for transformational leadership, transactional leadership cannot be discounted as the research shows that the right combination of incentives and rewards, coupled with a certain organisational culture can breed empowerment among certain types of employees.

Research limitations/implications

Going forward in terms of research on the increasingly popular concept of empowerment, it is believed that a more fully integrated model should be developed. Although some models do incorporate analysis of various macro and micro variables a more comprehensive and encompassing model would prove useful. Such a model would allow for a far more in-depth understanding of empowerment and its defining factors and would provide an invaluable tool to organisations wishing to implement empowerment in the most optimal way.

Practical implications

In applying a combination of theories on empowerment, leadership and individuals as part of an organisation, the authors posit that empowerment initiatives are predisposed to either success or failure. In order for empowerment to permeate the corporate culture and prove successful, the predispositions of decentralised management and personal ambition are strong factors of success.

Social implications

The authors postulate that the deciding factors regarding the success or failure of empowering an employee originate from the employees themselves. Even though employees can adopt new corporate cultures and be transformed by their leaders, their core traits remain the same and will have a decisive impact on the eventual success or failure of empowerment initiatives.

Originality/value

Going forward in terms of research on the increasingly popular concept of empowerment, it is believed that a more fully integrated model should be developed. Although some models do incorporate analysis of various macro and micro variables, a more comprehensive and encompassing model would prove useful.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 47 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2017

Peter Beomcheol Kim, Gyumin Lee and Jichul Jang

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a research model of employee empowerment along with its contextual determinants (i.e. leader-member exchange (LMX) and schedule…

2579

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a research model of employee empowerment along with its contextual determinants (i.e. leader-member exchange (LMX) and schedule flexibility) and primary consequence (i.e. service performance) for restaurant workers in New Zealand and South Korea. The study further examines a moderating role of national differences derived from the power distance theory for the hypothesized paths between empowerment and its determinants and consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized traditional paper-and-pencil surveys for data collection. A final sample of 303 service employees from restaurants in New Zealand (n=152) and South Korea (n=151) was used to test research hypotheses by structural equation modeling using LISREL (version 8.80).

Findings

The study concludes with two core findings supporting research hypotheses. First, as hypothesized, employees who consider their schedule flexible with high LMX quality with their immediate supervisor are more likely to feel empowered, and empowered workers are more likely to perform well in customer services. Furthermore, the results show that the impact of schedule flexibility and LMX on empowerment and the impact of empowerment on service performance are more salient among South Korean employees than their New Zealand counterpart.

Originality/value

Based on job characteristics, work adjustment, and social exchange theories, this study develops and tests a research model of employee empowerment including service context-relevant determinants, i.e., schedule flexibility and LMX, as well as a crucial work outcome, i.e., service performance, using two different national samples. The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge in understanding the organizational dynamic of employee empowerment in the service industry, suggesting that managers incorporate relevant contextual practices to promote empowerment, which ultimately enhances employees’ service performance. It is also recommended that such practices are carefully implemented, taking into consideration the cultural background of the workforce.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 55 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1997

Margaret Erstad

Among the many fashionable management terms, empowerment refers to a change strategy with the objective of improving both the individual’s and the organization’s ability to act…

11903

Abstract

Among the many fashionable management terms, empowerment refers to a change strategy with the objective of improving both the individual’s and the organization’s ability to act. Reviews the various themes of empowerment with particular reference to articles published between 1994‐1996 in the journal Empowerment in Organizations. The main themes are: creating an empowerment culture; empowerment as a management strategy; training and development for empowered employees; empowered teams and implementation techniques and empowerment and organizational change in the hospitality industry.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 9 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

Joseph S.L. Yip

In recent years, businesses have had to improve to suit the daily dynamic of global environment. The key is to encourage employees to take the initiative and become more involved…

2442

Abstract

In recent years, businesses have had to improve to suit the daily dynamic of global environment. The key is to encourage employees to take the initiative and become more involved in the success, or failure, of the enterprise. The process for securing that involvement and creating change is empowerment. The prerequisites for a successful, empowered workplace include a great amount of training, active top‐management support and employee involvement. Provides an overview of the employee empowerment considerations pressing upon the property professional’s attitude and proposes an overall empowerment process management model in effective quality service delivery. Reports on a research project investigating the current and potential existence, implementation and levels of training in empowering management styles in ten international property management groups in Hong Kong. However, in the East meets West culture of Hong Kong, empowerment is starting to be introduced to a selection of staff in several international real estate chains.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1995

Marlys Dickmeyer and Brenda Williams

Outlines the techniques for the Catalytic Empowerment process.Catalytic Empowerment evolved out of consulting practices that takeunprofitable companies in the crisis of going out…

1084

Abstract

Outlines the techniques for the Catalytic Empowerment process. Catalytic Empowerment evolved out of consulting practices that take unprofitable companies in the crisis of going out of business and make them healthy, profitable companies very quickly. The techniques are a source for transformational results. The consultant brings certain characteristics and training into an organization. The Catalytic Empowerment consultant is the model and vehicle by which empowerment is transferred into all areas of the organization. The example and training that the consultant provides causes a chain reaction of empowerment, transformation and dramatic results to take place. This is transferred into all levels and it transforms the very culture of the organization.

Details

Empowerment in Organizations, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4891

Keywords

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