empowermentis a business administration concept that means "decentralization of powers", that is, it suggests a greater participation of workers in the company's activities, given them greater decision-making autonomy and responsibilities.
The term empowerment it can have a wide range of meanings, interpretations, definitions. Psychology and philosophy also address the theme of empowerment, which is also very common in the self-help and motivational science industry. .In its literal form, the English term empowerment means "empowerment", a neologism that designates the power relations within a society. O empowerment as a sociological phenomenon it is often related to members of groups who are discriminated against because of their race, religion or sex. It refers to an increase in the political and social strength of that group or of a single discriminated individual, through the strengthening of their own capacities. O empowerment it is often used as a methodology by the feminist movement.
With regard to business administration, the empowerment is a tool that aims to deal with slowness and bureaucracy in a company. To be implemented in the company, it is necessary to have an extensive sharing of information, enabling true autonomy and a reduction in hierarchical and bureaucratic standards.
The objective of empowerment is to have workers more motivated and involved in company decisions. When they feel that they have more responsibilities, they look for solutions and become more creative because they feel they are contributing to the direction of the company, and that they really belong to the organization.
The worker's self-confidence, cooperation and proactivity are also encouraged. Enthusiasm to develop the work increases because the leadership is seen differently, open to suggestions, but without neglecting its own responsibilities, because it continues to play the role of leadership.
Consumer Empowerment
Previously the empowerment it was solely related to the employees of a company. But the past few years have empowered consumers, with some of those powers being:
- power of choice - there is an increasing offer of products and vast information about these products on the internet;
- power of opinion - these days, opinion is transmitted at an incredible speed through the internet;
- power of influence - exercised on products and advertising campaigns, as companies are often inspired by what consumers want;
- power of intervention in the life of companies - when an individual in a company fulfills the role of consumer-collaborator.
This empowerment came about in part thanks to marketing strategies aimed at satisfying consumers by giving them exactly what they want. However, the tool that gives consumers the most power these days is undoubtedly the internet through social networks. The digital age has made it possible to share opinion at an amazing speed. Nowadays, the fame of a good product or a good advertising campaign is spread amazingly through the various channels available on the internet. It's the same with a bad product or bad campaign - and that's exactly where the consumer power lies these days.