Abstract
This paper scrutinizes employee empowerment and
seeks to provide a model for its implementation which addresses
needs identified in the literature but inadequately addressed
previously in the context of South Africa. Empowerment is a process
whereby a culture of empowerment is developed, information is
shared, competency is developed, and resources and support are
provided. The benefits of employee empowerment are noted, and
objections to it are addressed. Theoretical foundations of employee
empowerment are examined in practice. A model for understanding
and implementing employee empowerment is discussed. Employees
in universities in South Africa are viewed first as apprentices while
their skills and knowledge within a given task set are developing,
then journey persons through continued development, and finally as
leaders of their craft. An assessment of organizational empowerment
is provided and training responses based upon this assessment are
suggested.