ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the key themes of empowerment from both disciplines, management and social work. It also examines the differing perspectives, perceptions and experiences of people regarding employee empowerment with the underlying assumptions and philosophical stance that, in different social worlds or groups, differing views can be found. Snape and Spencer argue that the social world is not governed by regularities that hold law-like properties. Pushing responsibility and decision-making down the organisation is viewed as one way to respond to turbulent environments and increased competition. A review of the management literature revealed considerable conceptual ambiguity. The book focuses on the importance of employee empowerment placed in the Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) literature. It reveals a massive shake-up to reclaim leadership status, politicians need to be seen to be serving the greater good again.
