Investigating the association of employee empowerment, work engagement, and job performance among library staff at Makerere University

Abstract

Background: In today’s dynamic organizational environment, employee empowerment, work engagement, and job performance are critical factors influencing institutional success and sustainability. Academic libraries therefore require competent, motivated, engaged, and empowered employees to provide quality services and adapt to changing user and technological demands.

Purpose: The study examined the relationship between employee empowerment, work engagement, and job performance among staff at Makerere University Library.

Methodology: The study adopted a quantitative correlational research design involving 50 participants selected from a population of 104 library staff, using convenience sampling with elements of random selection. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires administered through Google Forms and analyzed using SPSS Version 25, while validity and reliability were confirmed through expert review and acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients for all study variables.

Results: Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that employee empowerment was significantly related to work engagement (r=.780**, p<0.01), work engagement was significantly associated with job performance (r=.699**, p<0.01), and employee empowerment was also significantly associated with job performance (r=.425**, p<0.01). The findings indicate that employee empowerment positively influences both work engagement and job performance.

Conclusion: The study concludes that employee empowerment is a significant predictor of employees’ work engagement and job performance among library staff. Employees who feel empowered are more likely to demonstrate higher levels of motivation, commitment, and effectiveness in their work roles.

Implications: The findings suggest that academic institutions should strengthen empowerment practices, supportive leadership, participatory decision-making, and staff development to enhance employee engagement, improve job performance, and promote institutional effectiveness and sustainability.