Abstract:
This study investigates the role of employee empowerment on productivity at Guaranty Trust Bank Liberia between 2020 and 2023. The general objective was to evaluate the impact of employee empowerment on performance, with specific objectives to analyze the effectiveness of empowerment practices, examine employee performance levels, assess the impact of information sharing, investigate the role of participation in decision-making, and establish the relationship between training and development on performance. Data was collected from 135 employees using surveys, questionnaires, and semi structured interviews. The analysis employed descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to interpret the data. Key findings include:
Employee Empowerment Practices: While 60% of employees felt they had access to strategic plans, 50% felt involved in goal setting, and 55% felt trusted to make decisions, there remains room for improvement in areas such as skill development, feedback mechanisms, and accountability. Employee Performance Levels: 50% rated their performance as "Average," indicating general satisfaction but highlighting areas for improvement, particularly in clarifying performance metrics and providing regular feedback.
Impact of Information Sharing: 45% of employees were satisfied with information sharing, and 50% agreed it impacted job performance, suggesting a need for better communication channels. Role of Employee Participation in Decision-making: 45% of employees were involved in decision-making, and 55% believed it positively impacted job satisfaction and performance, indicating potential benefits from increased involvement.
Impact of Employee Training and Development: 50% had participated in training programs, with 55% rating the effectiveness as "Average." There is a need for more impactful training programs to enhance performance. Chi-square tests confirmed significant relationships between employee training, participation in decision-making, information sharing, and performance. The results underscore the importance of empowerment practices, transparent communication, and effective training programs in enhancing employee performance. Recommendations include increasing employee involvement in goal setting, improving feedback mechanisms, and investing in comprehensive training initiatives to boost overall productivity