Empowerment

About: Empowerment is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 42112 publications have been published within this topic receiving 752953 citations.

Whose empowerment and independence? A cross-national perspective on ‘cash for care’ schemes

Abstract: This paper uses qualitative data from a cross-national study of ‘cash for care’ schemes in five European countries (Austria, France, Italy, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom) to consider the concepts of empowerment and independence in relation to both care-users and care-givers. The paper locates the schemes along two axes, one of regulation/non-regulation, the other whether relatives can be paid or not. Each of the schemes has a different impact both on the care relationship and on the labour market for care. In The Netherlands where relatives can be paid, for example, a fully commodified form of informal care emerges; but in Austria and Italy with low regulation, a mix of informal and formal care-givers/workers has emerged with many international migrant workers. In the UK, direct payments allow care-users to employ local care-workers who deliver care for various lengths of time; while in France a credentialised system means that care-work is delivered by qualified workers but for very short intervals. The main conclusion is that none of these schemes have a simple outcome or advantage, and that the contexts in which they occur and the nature of their regulation has to be understood before drawing conclusions about their impact on empowerment and independence on both sides of the care relationship.

Women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth: labour markets and enterprise development

Abstract: This paper is one of a series of reports supported by the UK " s Department for International Development (DFID) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). However, the views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of IDRC, its Board of Governors, or DFID.

Fostering quality of life through social innovation: a living lab methodology study case

Abstract: Participative processes and citizens’ empowerment are considered crucial aspects of social innovation (SI), involving collaborative activities between the private, public, and third sectors. This article discusses the principal trends in the literature on the concept of SI, its aims and differential characteristics related to the identification of people’s needs, citizen participation processes, and improved quality of life. We present an exploratory case study of SI focusing on the gap between elderly people’s needs and the generation of business opportunities, using a living lab (LL) methodology for collaborative placed-based innovation. Our results suggest that LLs are a useful instrument to detect community needs and improve local development and support and integrate technological and social innovations in policies and local governance processes.

Sport for Development: What game are we playing?

Abstract: Sport is increasingly regarded as a powerful tool in international development. In this comprehensive introduction to the area of ‘sport-for-development’, leading researcher Fred Coalter critically evaluates the strengths and weaknesses and successes and failures of sport-for-development policies and programs. Beginning with an outline of the historical development of policies of sport-for-development, this book explores the objectives that remain central to international sport-for-development initiatives, including issues of defining and measuring impacts, the development of self-efficacy and leadership skills, female empowerment, HIV/AIDS awareness and social capital. Drawing on a wealth of fieldwork experience and empirical data from the most extensive monitoring and evaluation project ever undertaken with sport-for-development organisations, this is an unparalleled and fully integrated assessment of theory, policy and practice in international sport-for-development. Sport-for-development: What game are we playing is essential reading for any student or practitioner with an interest in sport-for-development, sports policy or international development.

Effects of workplace incivility and empowerment on newly-graduated nurses' organizational commitment.

Abstract: smith l.m., andrusyszyn m.a. & laschinger h. (2010) Journal of Nursing Management 18, 1004–1015 Effects of workplace incivility and empowerment on newly-graduated nurses’ organizational commitment Aim The purpose of the present study was to test an expanded model of Kanter’s theory by examining the influence of structural empowerment, psychological empowerment and workplace incivility on the organizational commitment of newly-graduated nurses. Background The early years of practice represent a significant confidence-building phase for newly-graduated nurses, yet many new nurses are exposed to disempowering experiences and incivility in the workplace. Method A predictive non-experimental design was used to examine the impact of structural empowerment, psychological empowerment and workplace incivility on the affective commitment of newly-graduated nurses (n = 117) working in acute care hospitals. Results Controlling for age, 23.1% of the variance in affective commitment was explained by structural empowerment, psychological empowerment and workplace incivility [R² = 0.231, F5,107 = 6.43, P = 0.000]. Access to opportunity was the most empowering factor, with access to support and formal power perceived as least empowering. Perceived co-worker incivility was greater than perceived supervisor incivility. Conclusion Results offer significant support for the use of Kanter’s theory in the newly-graduated nurse population. Implications for Nursing Management Without specific strategies in place to combat incivility and disempowerment in the workplace, attempts to prevent further organizational attrition of new members may be futile.