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The effect of empowerment on job knowledge: An empirical test involving operators of complex technology
Author(s) -
Leach Desmond J.,
Wall Toby D.,
Jackson Paul R.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of occupational and organizational psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.257
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 2044-8325
pISSN - 0963-1798
DOI - 10.1348/096317903321208871
Subject(s) - psychology , job satisfaction , empowerment , job attitude , test (biology) , social psychology , job design , job strain , knowledge management , job performance , applied psychology , job analysis , empirical research , computer science , paleontology , philosophy , epistemology , psychosocial , psychiatry , political science , law , biology
Two studies were conducted to investigate the predicted effect of empowerment on employees' job knowledge. Study 1 developed a measure of job knowledge, based on knowledge elicitation techniques, for use in work settings. Study 2 used that measure to examine change in employee knowledge following an empowerment initiative. Findings showed a substantial increase in job knowledge, particularly among less experienced employees. Improvements were also recorded for employee self‐confidence and strain, but not for motivation or job satisfaction. The wider theoretical and practical implications are discussed.