According to new research, strategies to motivate workers may backfire if mishandled or lead by the wrong people. According to the study authors:
- Empowerment initiatives can encourage heightened motivation, productivity, and creativity, but the success of these efforts depends on the management style of the person implementing them.
- Managers who value being respected will empower their employees.
- Managers who value being in charge approach motivation in ways that tend to be controlling and dominating.
- Effective empowerment efforts might include allowing subordinates to set their own goals or decide how to accomplish tasks.
- If workers are uncomfortable with their manager’s leadership style, it may help to hold a candid conversation.
