Understanding empowerment and resolving its paradox

This paper introduces and reviews current understanding of the empowerment construct, recognizing Mary Parker Follett’s contribution to this area. Common themes between the empowerment literature and Follett’s writing are identified with special emphasis placed on the “Empowerment Paradox.” The paradox is described and suggestions for how Follett’s writing can help inform us are included. The paper concludes with directions for future research.