Abstract

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract. A longer abstract is available on the journal's website]

A trend toward employee empowerment has resulted from business organizations adopting contemporary total quality management (TQM) principles. Employees, usually working in teams, now have the authority to make quality improvement decisions that enhance the satisfaction of internal and external customers. This new responsibility necessitates a clear understanding of what employee empowerment actually is and how it can be effectively managed. This paper provides a conceptual definition of empowerment and offers an implementation strategy for TQM managers.