DO ORGANISATIONS BENEFIT FROM EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT?

Abstract

The study was conducted, in an established apparel manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka, to examine the impact of employees’ empowerment on team performance. Specific objectives of the study were to identify the dimensions of team empowerment, to assess the impact of team empowerment on performance, and to analyse their interrelationship. A questionnaire (developed based on empirical models) was employed over a sample of hundred and twenty (120) employees selected from the organization. Respondents (employees) were selected through stratified random sampling, and majority of them (102) were sewing machine operators. Key informant discussions and focus group discussions were conducted for further insights. SPSS computer package was used for descriptive and inferential (correlation and regression tests etc.) statistical analysis. Empowerment measures included six dimensions/ variables. Their subscales were adopted based on empirical findings. Employees of the apparel manufacturing plant perceived a high level of empowerment and teams have recorded desirable levels of performance. Respondents perceived that team empowerment had increased their team performance. There was also a specific programme to empower sewing machine operators aimed at facilitating their lifestyles. The correlation analysis indicated a highly significant relationship between team empowerment and team performance. Sub variables of team empowerment had a significant (and a varying) impact on team performance. The study concluded that team empowerment results in better performance of teams, and organisations.