What does empowerment theory primarily focus on regarding employees' feelings towards their work tasks?

Empowerment theory emphasizes the importance of individuals feeling a sense of ownership and meaning in their work. This theory posits that when employees perceive their tasks as contributing to larger purposes or goals, they are more likely to experience higher levels of engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction. This alignment with a broader organizational mission helps them understand the significance of their contributions within the larger context, leading to a more fulfilling work experience.

Feeling connected to larger purposes can inspire employees to take initiative, make decisions, and invest effort in their roles, ultimately fostering a committed workforce. This sense of purpose is key to creating an empowered workforce, as it drives them to be proactive and find significance in their day-to-day tasks.

While aspects like personal goals, autonomy, and comparative outcomes are also relevant considerations in workplace dynamics, they do not encapsulate the core of empowerment theory as effectively as the focus on contributing to larger purposes does. Employees seeking meaning in their work typically find that their engagement and productivity are heightened when they see how their efforts align with broader organizational objectives.