Showing papers on "Empowerment published in 2006"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors surveyed management teams in 102 hotel properties in the United States to examine the intervening roles of knowledge sharing and team efficacy in the relationship between empowering leadership and team performance.
Abstract: We surveyed management teams in 102 hotel properties in the United States to examine the intervening roles of knowledge sharing and team efficacy in the relationship between empowering leadership and team performance. Team performance was measured through a time-lagged market-based source. Results showed that empowering leadership was positively related to both knowledge sharing and team efficacy, which, in turn, were both positively related to performance.
1,470 citations
TL;DR: A broad perspective on maternal health is taken and links to a range of global survival initiatives, particularly neonatal health, HIV, and malaria, and to reproductive health.
549 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of men's and women's participation in micro credit programs on various indicators of women's empowerment using data from a special survey carried out in rural Bangladesh.
Abstract: This article examines the effects of men’s and women’s participation in micro credit programs on various indicators of women’s empowerment using data from a special survey carried out in rural Bangladesh. These credit programs are well suited to studying how gender‐specific resources alter intrahousehold allocations because they induce differential participation by gender through the requirement that only one adult member per household can participate in any micro credit program. Empowerment is formalized as an unobserved latent variable reflecting common components of qualitative responses to a large set of questions pertaining to women’s autonomy and decision‐making power. The empirical methods are attentive to various sources of endogeneity, and the results are consistent with the view that women’s participation in micro credit programs helps to increase women’s empowerment. The effects of male credit on women’s empowerment were generally negative.
466 citations
TL;DR: The authors developed a model of team empowerment as an emergent state linking inputs with processes and with outcomes in the context of an expanded team IPO framework and tested the model using structural equation modeling techniques.
Abstract: The authors developed a model of team empowerment as an emergent state linking inputs (I) with processes (P) and, thereby, with outcomes (O) in the context of an expanded team IPO framework. Using survey responses from 452 members of 121 empowered service technician teams, along with archival quantitative performance and customer satisfaction criteria, the authors tested the model using structural equation modeling techniques. The model was generally supported, although areas for improvement were evident. Specifically, empowerment partially mediated the influences of various inputs on team processes, whereas team processes fully mediated the influence of empowerment on outcomes. Directions for future research and application are discussed.
441 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case study from Eastern Indonesia provides theoretical coverage and practical ideas of how community participation can be moved from the passive, rhetorical end of the participation scale towards empowerment.
Abstract: Sustainable tourism is a sub-branch of sustainable development that was put on the world agenda with the publication of the Bruntland report. The report focused on environmental issues and the natural environment has remained a central theme. Sociocultural issues have been overshadowed or marginalised. Community participation, although considered essential in sustainable tourism, is a concept subject to much interpretation. Based on longitudinal action research this case study, from Eastern Indonesia, provides theoretical coverage and practical ideas of how community participation can be moved from the passive, rhetorical end of the participation scale towards empowerment. Tourism has the potential to empower communities and the sustainable tourism agenda needs to focus on how to bring this about. As the case study illustrates, understanding tourists and tourism processes is the first stage to empowering the local community to make informed and appropriate decisions about their tourism development. Consid...
403 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed several possible approaches to the development of indices that would measure gender differences in responsibility for the financial and temporal care of dependents, which would enhance our understanding of the impact of economic development on women.
Abstract: How should “care” be defined and measured in ways that enhance our understanding of the impact of economic development on women? This paper addresses this question, suggesting several possible approaches to the development of indices that would measure gender differences in responsibility for the financial and temporal care of dependents.
376 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case study of two drought prone villages in rural India shows that while lending to women has helped households reduce their vulnerability, the results on empowerment are less emphatic.
Abstract: Evaluation studies routinely find that lending to women benefits their households, they are however vastly divergent in their conclusions regarding its empowering potential. This paper investigates this paradoxical suggestion by examining a case study. Survey data from two drought prone villages in rural India shows that while lending to women has helped households reduce their vulnerability, the results on empowerment are less emphatic. On examining a combination of loan-related data and borrower-testimonies we find that high demand for credit for use on family farm/business combined with women's lack of co-ownership of family's productive assets may result in this perverse effect. If women's empowerment is a crucial objective then the patriarchal hold on productive assets must be challenged.
356 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether access to an individually-held commitment savings product leads to an increase in female decision-making power within the household and found positive impacts for women who had below median decisionmaking power in the baseline, and this leads to a shift towards female-oriented durables goods purchased in the household.
Abstract: Female "empowerment" has increasingly become a policy goal, both as an end to itself and as a means to achieving other development goals. Microfinance in particular has often been argued, but not without controversy, to be a tool for empowering women. Here, using a randomized controlled trial, we examine whether access to an individually-held commitment savings product leads to an increase in female decision-making power within the household. We find positive impacts, particularly for women who have below median decision-making power in the baseline, and we find this leads to a shift towards female-oriented durables goods purchased in the household.
341 citations
TL;DR: Li et al. as mentioned in this paper examined organizational antecedents of LMX and the mediating influence of empowerment on the relationships between LM and the work outcomes of job satisfaction, task performance and psychological withdrawal behavior.
338 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is shifting market power from suppliers to consumers, and the ensuing consumer empowerment is presented as an unintended consequence of marketing.
Abstract: – Arguing that increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is shifting market power from suppliers to consumers, the ensuing consumer empowerment is presented as an unintended consequence of marketing. Marketing implications arising from this consumer empowerment are examined in terms of a process where control and management by suppliers over consumer access and enablement are increasingly difficult., – Consumer empowerment is examined historically, using quality gap analysis to capture an ongoing power struggle between consumers and suppliers. This draws out the limitations of current marketing and management strategies. The different forms of marketing challenges in this new environment are discussed., – The role of marketing strategies in fostering controlled consumer empowerment is reflected in the development of information‐based consumer‐centric marketing strategies that seek to enable and control delegation. In designing such strategies, consumers' familiarity with and use of ICT are both strengthened and widened, emphasising the uncontrolled nature of the consumer empowerment process., – The approach is literature‐based, focussing on the ICT enabled process. It does not address the psychology of empowerment. Since, consumer empowerment may imply switching suppliers in search of better value propositions, business cannot afford to ignore it, justifying the need for further research of both elements., – Marketing strategy rests on a control premise and the analysis of the consumer empowerment process implies that current customer‐centric strategies are operating under a false premise. There is a need to regain control over the marketing process, that is, to either manage the technological empowerment of consumers, or to devise new strategies cognisant of the possibility that such technological empowerment cannot be managed. The valuation of consumer loyalty in this environment rises significantly., – An historical perspective to consumer empowerment exposes the tensions between suppliers and consumers arising from ICT usage. A separation of consumer access and enablement from control and management by suppliers is shown to have important marketing strategy design implications.
312 citations
TL;DR: A predictive, non-experimental survey design was used to test a theoretical model in a sample of new graduate nurses, and it was predicted that structural empowerment had a direct positive effect on the areas of work life, which in turn had adirect negative effect on emotional exhaustion.
Abstract: As a large cohort of experienced nurses approaches retirement, it is critical to examine factors that will promote the engagement and empowerment of the newer workforce, allowing them to provide high quality patient care. The authors used a predictive, non-experimental survey design to test a theoretical model in a sample of new graduate nurses. More specifically, the relationships among structural empowerment, six areas of work life (conceptualized as antecedents of work engagement), emotional exhaustion and organizational commitment were examined. As predicted, structural empowerment had a direct positive effect on the areas of work life, which in turn had a direct negative effect on emotional exhaustion. Subsequently, emotional exhaustion had a direct negative effect on commitment. Implications of these findings for nursing administrators are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the development of a critical social theory of youth empowerment, which emphasizes collective efforts to create sociopolitical change, is discussed. And the authors conclude with discussion of the measurement of outcomes, and the challenges and opportunities for empowerment in youth organization.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article contributes to the development of a critical social theory of youth empowerment which emphasizes collective efforts to create sociopolitical change. It draws upon analysis of four youth empowerment models, and upon findings from a participatory research study which identified key dimensions of critical youth empowerment: (1) a welcoming, safe environment, (2) meaningful participation and engagement, (3) equitable power-sharing between youth and adults, (4) engagement in critical reflection on interpersonal and sociopolitical processes, (5) participation in sociopolitical processes to affect change, and (6) integrated individual- and community-level empowerment. It concludes with discussion of the measurement of outcomes, and the challenges and opportunities for empowerment in youth organization.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors look at evidence from a number of case studies of NGO programs with poor women in India, on the role of accountability in empowerment outcomes, and the role NGO values play in these outcomes.
01 Jan 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a rich source of information for researchers, policy makers, and others who want to better understand the fast-growing and diverse population that we call a /Hispanic.
Abstract: Hispanics and the Future of America presents details of the complex story of a population that varies in many dimensions, including national origin, immigration status, and generation. The papers in this volume draw on a wide variety of data sources to describe the contours of this population, from the perspectives of history, demography, geography, education, family, employment, economic well-being, health, and political engagement. They provide a rich source of information for researchers, policy makers, and others who want to better understand the fast-growing and diverse population that we call a /Hispanic.a The current period is a critical one for getting a better understanding of how Hispanics are being shaped by the U.S. experience. This will, in turn, affect the United States and the contours of the Hispanic future remain uncertain. The uncertainties include such issues as whether Hispanics, especially immigrants, improve their educational attainment and fluency in English and thereby improve their economic position; whether growing numbers of foreign-born Hispanics become citizens and achieve empowerment at the ballot box and through elected office; whether impending health problems are successfully averted; and whether Hispanicsa (TM) geographic dispersal accelerates their spatial and social integration. The papers in this volume provide invaluable information to explore these issues.
TL;DR: A model is presented in which information privacy predicts psychological empowerment, which in turn predicts discretionary behaviors on the job, including creative performance and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), which confirms that information privacy entails judgments of information gathering control, information handling control, and legitimacy.
Abstract: This article examines the relationship of employee perceptions of information privacy in their work organizations and important psychological and behavioral outcomes. A model is presented in which information privacy predicts psychological empowerment, which in turn predicts discretionary behaviors on the job, including creative performance and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Results from 2 studies (Study 1: single organization, N=310; Study 2: multiple organizations, N=303) confirm that information privacy entails judgments of information gathering control, information handling control, and legitimacy. Moreover, a model linking information privacy to empowerment and empowerment to creative performance and OCBs was supported. Findings are discussed in light of organizational attempts to control employees through the gathering and handling of their personal information.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the Leader's empowering behaviours can enhance person-job fit and prevent burnout and have important implications in the current nursing shortage.
Abstract: Efforts to improve nursing working conditions are critical to retaining nurses currently in the system and attracting newcomers to the profession (Laschinger et al. 2003b). The nurse leader's empowering behaviours can be pivotal in the way nurses react to their work environment. The purpose of this study was to test a model examining the relationship between nurse leaders' empowerment behaviours, perceptions of staff empowerment, areas of work life and work engagement using Kanter's theory of structural power in organizations. A cross-sectional correlational survey design tested the model in a random sample of 322 staff nurses in acute care hospitals across Ontario. Overall, staff nurses perceived their leaders' behaviours to be somewhat empowering and their work environment to be moderately empowering. Fifty-three percent reported severe levels of burnout. Leader empowering behaviour had an indirect effect on emotional exhaustion (burnout) through structural empowerment and overall fit in the six areas of work life. The final model statistics revealed a good fit (chi(2)=30.4, chi=3, chi=0.96, chi=0.95, chi=0.95). These findings suggest that the Leader's empowering behaviours can enhance person-job fit and prevent burnout. These findings have important implications in the current nursing shortage.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overarching framework across theories and disciplines for both academics and practitioners in the field of empowerment, and synthesize empowerment into five progressive stages and four cognitive elements in both personal and collective empowerment.
Abstract: A variety of studies on empowerment has been conducted, but there has been no overarching framework available for practitioners and researchers hoping to grasp the process and components of empowerment in a comprehensive manner. This study was designed to provide the overarching framework across theories and disciplines for both academics and practitioners in the field of empowerment. A method of theoretical synthesis was employed in this study. Studies were chosen for review in the article based on the two criteria. First, both books and articles were not limited as long as they included theories on the steps toward empowerment and the cognitive element of empowerment. Second, disciplines were not bounded as they provided ideas for the empowerment process and its cognitive elements. It was found that empowerment might be synthesized into five progressive stages and four cognitive elements in both personal and collective empowerment. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Book Chapter•
14 Mar 2006
TL;DR: In this article, the authors critique existing participatory practices, especially the ways in which local knowledge is generated as a necessary first step in reversing the 'top-down' approaches of many development initiatives.
Abstract: This chapter has two major aims The first is to critique existing participatory practices, especially the ways in which local knowledge is generated as a necessary first-step in reversing the 'top down' approaches of many development initiatives This critique is realised largely through the use of concepts derived from postcolonial studies In order to do this effectively, the following section outlines some of the major themes within postcolonial studies as it is a relatively recent and poorly defined area of the social sciences These critical insights are then used in section two to examine the ways in which participatory research methods tend to reinscribe relations of authority between the outside facilitator and the grassroots The second aim, which is dealt with in section three, is to re-work approaches to participatory development in light of the preceding criticisms This is done through both theoretical considerations and a case study of a small NGO working in West Africa While not wanting to portray the NGO as having overcome all barriers to participation, it is instructive in demonstrating how a reflexive, 'outside' organisation can deal with problematic power relationships at the local level
TL;DR: The Science for the People (SFP) movement in Kerala, India is a prominent example of participative empowerment as discussed by the authors, and it employed cultural and pedagogical strategies to facilitate an empowered participation of local citizens in the deliberative planning process.
Abstract: This article argues that there is a need to enrich the theory of citizen participation and the design of deliberation practices through greater attention to the cultural politics of deliberative space. The article focuses on the ways the social valorization of political space influences basic discursive processes such as who speaks, how knowledge is constituted, what can be said, and who decides. From this perspective, decentralized design principles are necessary but insufficient requirements for deliberative empowerment. The point is illustrated through an analysis of the Science for the People movement in Kerala, India, a prominent example of deliberative empowerment. The discussion shows how the movement employed cultural and pedagogical strategies to facilitate an empowered participation of local citizens in the deliberative planning process. These experiences demonstrate the importance of a deeper understanding of cultural meaning and political identity in the theory of democratic deliberation and the practice of participatory governance.
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TL;DR: The authors presented a systematic effort to integrate current research on consumer empowerment with highly influential theories of power, and developed a conceptual overview of power consisting of three dominant theoretical models onto which they map existing consumer empowerment research.
Abstract: To help shape a more cohesive research program in marketing and consumer research, this paper presents a systematic effort to integrate current research on consumer empowerment with highly influential theories of power. We develop a conceptual overview of power consisting of three dominant theoretical models onto which we map existing consumer empowerment research. A synthetic review focuses on three perspectives of consumer power: consumer sovereignty, cultural power and discursive power, drawing from sociological, philosophical and economic literature. These models are then applied to consumer research to illuminate research applications and insights. Research of consumer empowerment has grown significantly over the last decade. Yet, researchers drawing from a variety of intellectual and methodological traditions have generated a multitude of heuristic simplifications and mid-level theories of power to inform their empirical and conceptual explorations. This reviews helps clarify consumer empowerment, and offers a useful map for future research. Researchers in consumer empowerment need to understand the historical development of power, and to contextualize research within conflicting perspectives on empowerment. The paper makes several contributions: 1) organizes a currently cluttered field of consumer empowerment research, 2) connects consumer and marketing research to high-level theorizations of power, and 3) outlines specific avenues for future research.
TL;DR: The role of the internet in the lives of a group of technologically proficient, socially advantaged white heterosexual new mothers is explored in this paper, where the authors argue that the internet was both liberating and constraining: it played an important social role for some women while at the same time it encouraged restrictive and unequal gender stereotypes in this particular community of practice.
Abstract: The extension of information and communication technologies is purported to provide great opportunities for women, with the potential for empowerment and feminist activism This paper contributes to the debate about women and cyberspace through a focus on the role of the internet in the lives of a group of technologically proficient, socially advantaged white heterosexual new mothers The internet played a central role in providing virtual social support and alternative information sources which increased these women's real sense of empowerment in the transition to motherhood Simultaneously, however, very traditional stereotypes of mothering and gender roles persisted A paradox is evident whereby the internet was both liberating and constraining: it played an important social role for some women while at the same time it encouraged restrictive and unequal gender stereotypes in this particular community of practice An examination of new virtual parenting spaces therefore has a contribution to make in un
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors suggest that choice is a disciplinary power and that more and more choice can lead to choice paralysis, and the contemporary phenomenon known as blogging is described as a Foucauldian technology of self.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to question the taken for granted assumptions that underpin a liberal or lay view of consumer empowerment implicit to this special edition. In particular, the idea that it benefits consumers to have more choice is questioned.Design/methodology/approach – The key constructs of Michel Foucault – disciplinary power, governmentality and technologies of self – are used to argue that people can never escape from the operation of power. Rather it is shown how power operates to produce consumers.Findings – The liberal view of the empowerment of consumers through choice is questioned. Rather we suggest the opposite; that choice is a disciplinary power and that more and more choice can lead to choice paralysis. The contemporary phenomenon known as blogging is described as a Foucauldian technology of self. Managerial implications are discussed.Originality/value – The value of a Foucauldian inspired theory of empowerment is that it represents a more sophisticated understanding o...
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors examined the development of legal consciousness among legal aid plaintiffs in Shanghai and observed positive changes in feelings of individual efficacy and competency that are combined with more negative evaluations/perceptions of the legal system in terms of its fairness and effectiveness.
Abstract: This article critically examines the development of legal consciousness among legal aid plaintiffs in Shanghai. It is based on 16 months of research at a large legal aid center and in-depth interviews with 50 plaintiffs. Chinese legal aid plaintiffs come to the legal process with high expectations about the possibility of protecting their rights; however, they also have only a vague and imprecise knowledge of legal procedure and their actual codified rights. Through this process of legal mobilization, plaintiffs' legal consciousness changes in two separate dimensions: changes in one's feelings of efficacy and competency vis-a-vis the law, and changes in one's perception/evaluation of the legal system. Put another way, the first dimension is “How well can I work the law?” and the second is “How well does the law work?” In this study I observe positive changes in feelings of individual efficacy and competency that are combined with more negative evaluations/perceptions of the legal system in terms of its fairness and effectiveness. The positive feelings of efficacy and voice provided by the legal process encourage labor dispute plaintiffs in the post-dispute period to plan new lawsuits and to help friends and relatives with their legal problems. Disenchantment with the promises of the legal system does not lead to despondency, but to more critical, informed action. This study provides new evidence on the nature of China's developing legal system with a focus on the social response to the state-led “rule of law” project.
TL;DR: The paper discusses the results of the literature review and provides examples, from both developed and developing countries, of how each of the 'empowerment domains' has led to an improvement in health outcomes.
Abstract: This paper reviews the literature on how empowerment can lead to an improvement in the health status of an individual, group, or community. There is a broad body of literature on empowerment, and this review has been designed to identify material, particularly case studies, that can be included within the following 'empowerment domains': Participation; Community-based organizations; Local leadership; Resource mobilization; Asking 'why'; Assessment of problems; Links with other people and organizations; Role of outside agents; and Programme management. The paper discusses the results of the literature review and provides examples, from both developed and developing countries, of how each of the 'empowerment domains' has led to an improvement in health outcomes. The results of the review should be of interest to the planners and practitioners of health, population and nutrition programmes that have a particular focus on empowerment.
TL;DR: This exploratory study tested a theoretical model, linking the quality of the nursing practice environments to a culture of patient safety, and specific strategies to increase nurses' access to empowerment structures and thereby increase the culture of patients safety.
Abstract: Nurse managers are seeking ways to improve patient safety in their organizations. At the same time, they struggle to address nurse recruitment and retention concerns by focusing on the quality of nurses' work environment. This exploratory study tested a theoretical model, linking the quality of the nursing practice environments to a culture of patient safety. Specific strategies to increase nurses' access to empowerment structures and thereby increase the culture of patient safety are suggested.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a framework for assessing the democratic merits of collaborative public management in terms of seven normative ideals: inclusiveness, representativeness, impartiality, transparency, deliberativeness and empowerment.
Abstract: This article provides a framework for assessing the democratic merits of collaborative public management in terms of seven normative ideals: inclusiveness, representativeness, impartiality, transparency, deliberativeness, lawfulness, and empowerment. The framework is used to analyze a random sample of 76 watershed partnerships in California and Washington State. The study reveals the exclusionary nature of some partnerships and suggests that critical stakeholders are missing from many partnerships. However, representation was generally balanced. National and statewide advocacy groups were absent from most of these place-based partnerships; public agencies were the primary source of nonlocal perspectives. Deliberativeness was relatively strong, indicated by the prevalence of educational and fact-finding strategies and participants’ perceptions of respectful discussion and improved social capital. Half the partnerships had implemented new policies, and two-thirds of stakeholders believed their partnership had improved watershed conditions, indicating empowerment.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an easily accessible framework to readers, especially those for whom empowerment remains a puzzling development concern, conceptually and in application, which can be used for understanding, measuring, monitoring, and operationalizing empowerment policy and practice.
Abstract: This book represents an effort to present an easily accessible framework to readers, especially those for whom empowerment remains a puzzling development concern, conceptually and in application. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 explains how the empowerment framework can be used for understanding, measuring, monitoring, and operationalizing empowerment policy and practice. Part 2 presents summaries of each of the five country studies, using them to discuss how the empowerment framework can be applied in very different country and sector contexts and what lessons can be learned from these test cases. While this book can offer only a limited empirical basis for the positive association between empowerment and development outcomes, it does add to the body of work supporting the existence of such a relationship. Perhaps more importantly, it also provides a framework for future research to test the association and to prioritize practical interventions seeking to empower individuals and groups.
TL;DR: Four projects that illustrate active youth participation in research demonstrate opportunities for positive youth development, create a context for intergenerational partnerships, and generate research findings to inform future interventions and organizational improvements, including community mobilization.
Abstract: Although participatory research has been applied by a wide range of disciplines, the engagement of youth as partners in research and evaluation efforts is relatively new The positive youth development movement has influenced scholars and practitioners to include youth as partners in the design and implementation of research involving issues that affect their lives Engaging youth in research and evaluation not only generates useful knowledge for communities and individuals but also provides opportunities for the development and empowerment of youth participants, leading to benefits for young people, organizations, the broader community, and the research process However, there has been little systematic study to establish an evidence base for these effects This article describes four projects that illustrate active youth participation in research These examples demonstrate opportunities for positive youth development, create a context for intergenerational partnerships, and generate research findings to inform future interventions and organizational improvements, including community mobilization
Book•
01 Dec 2006
TL;DR: A model of anti-oppressive practice: principles for action Values empowerment partnership Minimal intervention Implications for practice Part III Reframing practice in relation to legislation Prevention Assessment Planning Service user involvement Evaluation as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: List of statutes Preface to the second edition Acknowledgements Introduction Anti-oppressive practice ten years on Part I Unpacking concepts: Setting the terms of the debate Some essential elements of anti-oppressive theory Use of the law: Contradictions and dilemmas Part II A model of anti-oppressive practice: Principles for action Values Empowerment Partnership Minimal intervention Implications for practice Part III Reframing practice in relation to legislation Prevention Assessment Planning Service user involvement Evaluation Notes Bibliography Index
TL;DR: This article explored the politics and practices of a state-initiated, feminist-conceived empowerment program for rural women in India through the lens of neoliberal governmentality, where the Mahila Samakhya (MS) program seeks to empower and mobilize marginalized women for self-development and social change.
Abstract: This article explores the politics and practices of a state-initiated, feminist-conceived empowerment program for rural women in India through the lens of neoliberal governmentality. Structured as a government-organized nongovernmental organization (GONGO), the Mahila Samakhya (MS) program seeks to empower and mobilize marginalized women for self-development and social change. The program's GONGO form and empowerment goals articulate with neoliberal logics of self-care and destatized rule to reshape the postcolonial liberalizing state and governance in India. Neoliberalism and the everyday practices of the MS program construct the Indian state as a distinct and vertically encompassing, if ambiguously gendered, entity. The organization's hybrid form and its employment arrangements and work practices end up reinforcing some of the very social inequalities and welfare-based ideologies that its empowerment focus seeks to challenge. Nonetheless, collaborative governmental projects for subaltern women's empowerment, which involve feminist, activist, and state actors, offer spaces of political possibility as well as risks in a neoliberal context.