Nelesh Dhanpat, Dudu Simphiwe Mkhwanazi
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the reciprocal relationship between psychological empowerment and work engagement using a quantitative cross-sectional research approach. Data was collected from 213 participants in financial services organisations in Gauteng using pre-established and validated measures administered online. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between all dimensions of psychological empowerment (meaning, impact, self-determination and competence) and work engagement (vigour, dedication and absorption). The dimensions of work engagement were also found to be positively correlated with psychological empowerment. Furthermore, the study revealed that the dimensions of meaning, impact and competence significantly predicted work engagement, while vigour and dedication significantly predicted psychological empowerment. These findings emphasise the importance of promoting work engagement among employees to enhance psychological empowerment. Organisational interventions, such as job redesign, training programmes and employee involvement initiatives, may be beneficial in fostering both work engagement and psychological empowerment. The study demonstrates the reciprocal relationship between psychological empowerment and work engagement, highlighting the positive associations between their respective dimensions. The findings underscore the significance of promoting work engagement to enhance psychological empowerment in the workplace. Organisational interventions can play a crucial role in fostering these positive outcomes.