Foundations for community connectedness: how organisational structures shape staff motivation and empowerment
RIS ID
75034
Abstract
Organisations that successfully motivate staff though empowerment can reap many benefits, including innovation and improved productivity. Organisation structures play a significant role in how people experience empowerment since structure sets out the basic power relationships in organisations. Local government authorities have been adjusting their structures in response to numerous business and community imperatives, but without full knowledge of the actual impacts on staff motivation. Using a multiple case study analysis, looking at three councils and interviewing middle managers, their peers, subordinates and superiors to provide a multi-perspective understanding, this project seeks to explain how structures shape perceptions of empowerment. This study makes a unique contribution to existing literature and industry knowledge on empowerment through focusing on the interplay of organisation structures and managerial empowerment within a context of local government. The outcomes of this study will better inform the industry to create more empowered and effective workplaces, leading to improved services and connection with local communities.
Publication Details
Le, M., Sense, A. & Jones, M. (2012). Foundations for community connectedness: how organisational structures shape staff motivation and empowerment. In P. Dalziel (Eds.), Refereed Proceedings of the Australia and New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI) Conference (pp. 125-133). Canterbury, New Zealand: AERU Research Unit.