Explain Jay Conger's guidelines on how leaders can empower individuals in an organization.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. Conger offers some guidelines on how leaders can empower others in the organization. First, managers should express confidence in employees and set high performance expectations. Positive expectations can go a long way toward enabling good performance. Second, managers should create opportunities for employees to participate in decision making. This means participation in the forms of both voice and choice. One method for increasing participation is using self-managed teams. Third, managers should remove bureaucratic constraints that stifle autonomy. Often, companies have antiquated rules and policies that prevent employees from managing themselves. Fourth, managers should set inspirational or meaningful goals. When individuals feel they "own" a goal, they are more willing to take personal responsibility for it. Please see the section "Managing Political Behavior in Organizations" for more information.