readings icon presentation iconquiz iconresources icon

3.3 Empowerment

McGregors' conceptualisation of Theory X and Y (See the earlier leadership topic on management effectiveness), established some parameters for desirable and undesirable ways that leadership styles may impact communication and team leadership. McGregor also set the scene for Theory Y derivatives based on workplace leaders appreciating the needs of individuals. Such approaches include what Herzberg (1964) called 'enrichment' and Peters (1982 & 1985) called 'empowerment'. Re-designing jobs to expand opportunities for self-control and self-direction would, it was stressed, contribute to improved performance. While workplace leaders still had to control and encouraged team and individual commitment, it was acknowledged that jobs should not restrict how staff achieved goal attainment nor should it be accepted that all individuals were motivated by the same needs.

Reading 3

Parker, O & Wright, E (January-February, 2001) 'Pay and employee commitment: The missing link', Ivey Business Journal , pp.70-73. Sourced July 2002, at http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/article.asp?intArticle_ID=319 .

Activity 3

This is intended to be used as an activity that can be completed alone or used with a group in the workplace or a learning session.

Rank the following work criteria in order from 1 (most desirable) to 8 (least desirable).

Criteria Your Ranking

I want interesting work ____

I want others to respect my skills and ability ____

I want job security ____

I want my wages to increase as I work harder ____

I want good working conditions ____

I want the company to be loyal to me ____

I want career growth as the company grows ____

I want control over my own performance ____

  1. Discuss this ranking with your class mates or work colleagues. The facilitator may even rank the top three priorities by passing around a blank form for you to confidentially rank your one, two and three work priorities.
  2. Discuss how different factors motivate people in their jobs. Can you see how the above criteria would influence how management designs different strategies to gain commitment and motivation from staff?

previous pagePrevious Page - Next Pagenext page