What does empowerment in a business context refer to?

In a business context, empowerment refers to the delegation of power and authority to subordinates. This concept emphasizes giving employees the autonomy, resources, and decision-making capabilities to perform their jobs effectively and contribute to the organization's goals. When employees feel empowered, they are more likely to take initiative, demonstrate creativity, and engage meaningfully with their work. This leads to higher job satisfaction, increased motivation, and improved overall performance within the team and organization.

Empowerment also fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, where employees are encouraged to share ideas and take ownership of their responsibilities. This shift in approach can help organizations remain agile and responsive to challenges, as empowered employees are equipped to make decisions and solve problems at various levels within the business.

The other options focus on limiting roles or maintaining strict hierarchical structures, which does not align with the principles of empowerment that prioritize flexibility, autonomy, and collaborative efforts in achieving business objectives.