New technologies are emerging to improve the way we work. These technologies include mobile apps, collaboration software, analytics tools, and even Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The term ’empowerment technology’ is generally applied to the latest class of employee engagement tools.
Empowerment technologies are any tools that help employees better engage with their employers. These tools are typically developed in-house or by third parties with a focus on creating a more collaborative workplace. Empowerment technology provides employees with access to company resources from anywhere in the world, allowing them to engage on their own terms and giving them more control over their workloads.
The most important aspect of empowerment technology is its ability to create an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute their best work. Employees have access to information about their work and can share ideas freely without fear of being punished or reprimanded for speaking up. They also have the freedom to take on tasks they feel passionate about without having managers breathing down their necks all day long. Employees who feel empowered will be much more productive than those who do not..
The Consequences of Empowerment
Empowerment technology can empower people to do things they could not do before, but the result is that when the technology fails, people are left worse off than they were before. This is a particular problem in the developing world, where it is more important for people to have access to basic services and information than for them to have access to Facebook or Twitter.
Focusing on empowerment technology can also mean that we neglect other types of technologies that could have a greater impact on development. The Internet represents only 0.3% of global GDP, which means that there are plenty of other areas where we could focus our efforts instead and get better results.
We need to be careful about how we use the term “empowerment” because it implies that all technology has the same goal: empowering individuals. But this isn’t true; many technologies are designed with specific goals in mind, and their success should be judged by whether they achieve those goals.
Technology itself is not enough to bring about change – it needs be accompanied by political action and social movements if it is going to be successful.*