Define the term 'empowerment'.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] Gives power / authority / rights to employees (1) to take part in decision-making (1) it is a form of delegation (1) to have more control over the business / their working lives / over others / tasks and objectives (1) the opportunity to perform tasks as they decide (1) it is a type of motivation (1).
2. [2] Sound definition - 2 of the factors listed above
3. [1] Partial definition - 1 of the factors listed above
4. [0] No creditable content.
5. [3] To help employees feel part of the organisation / to get employees and managers working together / to achieve the same goals.
6. [3] To generate new ideas which might benefit the business.
7. [3] To increase motivation / self-esteem / commitment of employees.
8. [3] To tap into the skills and competences of employees.
9. [3] To give employees greater control over their lives / the business.
10. [3] To reduce the burden on managers / supervisor systems and costs.
11. [3] To increase productivity and the bottom line.
12. [3] To identify skills in readiness for promotion.
13. [3] To reduce absenteeism and labour turnover.
14. [3] To attract high quality labour.
15. [3] To enhance the public image of the company.
16. [3] Sound explanation of two reasons why a business might decide to empower its employees
17. [2] Sound explanation of one reason or partial explanation of two
18. [1] Partial explanation of one reason or a list of two
19. [0] No creditable content