Two cheers for empowerment: some critical reflections
Leadership & Organization Development Journal
ISSN: 0143-7739
Article publication date: 1 February 1997
Abstract
Attempts to encourage a more reflective and guarded analysis of empowerment. Traces the political and economic factors which have facilitated the development of a particular notion of empowerment in the UK and outlines a dual critique of empowerment. Notes the insubstantial body of rights offered under empowerment schemes and argues that these schemes may be regarded as control initiatives. Returns the concept of empowerment to the domain of political philosophy in an attempt to demonstrate that successful empowerment schemes may serve to repress key groups in the workplace. Concludes by urging organizational development practitioners to adopt a more radical view of power which can acknowledge the complex dynamics of the workplace.
Keywords
Citation
Collins, D. (1997), "Two cheers for empowerment: some critical reflections", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 23-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437739710156259
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 1997, MCB UP Limited