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Discuss the benefits of Employee Empowerment - Leaving Cert Business - Question B - 2021
Question B
Discuss the benefits of Employee Empowerment. Outline one possible barrier to Employee Empowerment.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Discuss the benefits of Employee Empowerment - Leaving Cert Business - Question B - 2021
Step 1
Discuss the benefits of Employee Empowerment.
Answer
Employee empowerment provides several benefits that can enhance organizational performance:
Improves Decision Making
- Empowered employees can make decisions more quickly, reducing the time spent waiting for managerial approval. This is crucial in fast-paced environments where speed is essential for success.
- Employees often possess the expertise related to their tasks, allowing them to make more effective decisions without the need for constant supervision.
Prepares Staff for Management Roles
- Empowerment gives employees invaluable experience in making decisions and exercising judgment. This prepares them for future advancement in management roles, reducing the organizational need for additional training.
Increases Motivation and Job Satisfaction
- When employees are given the authority to make decisions, their morale improves, making them feel more valued and engaged.
- This leads to a more motivated workforce, lowering turnover rates and increasing productivity as employees feel a sense of responsibility and ownership over their work.
Step 2
Outline one possible barrier to Employee Empowerment.
Answer
A significant barrier to employee empowerment can be the management style in place.
Management Style
- If a leader adopts an autocratic or controlling management style, employees may feel hesitant to make decisions. Such environments discourage initiative and can suppress the willingness of staff to engage in decision-making processes, undermining empowerment efforts.
Staff Expertise
- Another possible barrier is the lack of necessary skills or experience among staff. If employees are not sufficiently trained or competent in their roles, they may struggle to take on decision-making responsibilities, leading to poor outcomes and reduced confidence in their abilities.