The relationship between the enabling use of controls, employee empowerment, and performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between Simons’ (2000) enabling (beliefs and interactive) use of controls with employee empowerment, and the subsequent influence on organisational performance. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was distributed to 636 Australian manufacturing organisations. Findings The findings indicate that the enabling use of controls is associated, both directly and indirectly, through the level of employee empowerment, with organisational performance. Originality/value This paper provides an initial empirical insight into the relationship between the use of controls with the level of employee empowerment. The findings highlight the significant interrelationship between the enabling use of controls and employee empowerment and the importance of both facets in enhancing organisational performance.