In a recent study that was conducted by the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business, it showed that workers empowered by their employers did much better in their jobs. The study which is basically a review of the existing researches was conducted across various industries, jobs, gender and cultures. The researchers came to a conclusion after reviewing more than 140 studies of "psychological empowerment" at the workplace. The study was published online in an upcoming print issue of the Journal of Applied Psychology.
"Empowerment is an effective approach for improving employee attitudes and work behaviors in a broad range of industries, occupations and geographic regions," says lead researcher Scott Seibert, a professor of management and organizations at University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business. Seibert adds that job satisfaction and reduced stress is observed in places where employers are given more control. He further states that more control would boost the employer's morale and hence better results in performance.
The study results highlighted some of the factors that are responsible for empowerment at workplace. They include employees calling the shots, decentralization in authority, satisfactory salary, appreciating employer's work, constant support from manager, good opportunities, inspiring managers and of course challenging assignments.
Seibert says that the managers in the study felt that workers who were empowered to do their work, felt that they were in much control and hence churned more innovative works. They also tried to handle any problems on their own. He adds that even employees questioned during the study felt that they had more power and influence now and so they were more involved in work like never before.
Apart from this, the study also found out that men and women reacted similarly to empowerment. Seibert says that these results are not only applicable to U.S alone in fact it is more prominently seen in Asian countries. In fact he states that Asians reacted more strongly to empowerment when compared to North Americans. The possible reason for this according to Seibert is people from collectivist cultures react more to cues such as identification and inclusiveness.
He also states that a person with good self assessment about oneself will be more benefited and will react strongly to any empowerment cues.
