DECA Human Resources Management Practice Exam

What is typically NOT a benefit of employee empowerment?

1. Enhanced job satisfaction

2. Improved decision-making

3. Reduced employee accountability

4. Greater innovation

The correct answer is: Reduced employee accountability

Employee empowerment is a management practice that involves giving employees more autonomy, responsibility, and the ability to make decisions regarding their work. The primary objective of empowerment is to motivate employees and enhance their job performance. The correct choice points to reduced employee accountability, which is usually not a benefit of employee empowerment. In fact, empowerment generally increases accountability because employees who are given more decision-making authority are also expected to take responsibility for the outcomes of those decisions. When employees have the opportunity to influence their work environment and contribute to decision-making, they are more likely to feel responsible for their work and its impact on the organization. This heightened sense of ownership often leads to increased accountability, rather than a reduction. In contrast, enhanced job satisfaction, improved decision-making, and greater innovation are commonly recognized advantages of employee empowerment. By feeling valued and trusted, employees are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Empowerment also fosters an environment where employees can make informed decisions quickly and creatively, leading to innovative solutions and processes. Thus, reduced employee accountability stands out as the incorrect option, as accountability typically rises rather than diminishes in an empowered workforce.