Challenges for managers/HR regarding the perception of empowerment in organizations

The research paper presents the results of a study that examines understanding of empowerment in management and demonstrates practices indicating the presence of empowerment in work teams among Polish students and working professionals. The paper contains both a theoretical section, which includes a critical analysis of the literature, and an empirical section. The research is based on a survey questionnaire originally designed by the researchers, with questions developed from a literature review. The study was conducted in 2024, and the questionnaire was administered to 213 working professionals and 245 students from Jagiellonian University specialising in discipline of management.The results of the study explore respondents' understanding of the concept of empowerment in the context of management. They also investigate practices that indicate the presence of empowerment in work teams among Polish students and working professionals. The analysis relies on respondents? subjective declarations. Working professionals and students associated similar terms with the concept of empowerment. However, some differences emerge in understanding empowerment as giving employees the right to autonomy and control over their actions, fostering a workplace climate of trust, and creating an environment where employees feel secure, supported, and able to trust their managers. The survey results indicate that working professionals enjoy a higher level of autonomy in the workplace than students. Additional differences can be observed in the extend to which respondents have control over team activities, as well as in the availability of substantive support in solving problems and resolving issues within their teams.The paper uncovers new insights, providing a basis for developing a comprehensive tool to support further research in this field. Additionally, the findings offer practical value for managers in organisations and for university personnel responsible for designing and analysing teaching processes. Future research could involve a larger sample from various industries, and further in-depth qualitative research is also recommended.