Defining psychological empowerment construct: analysis of three empowerment scales

Miguel, Marta Cristina Trindade; Ornelas, José; Maroco, João

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.12/5215

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Authors

Miguel, Marta Cristina Trindade

Ornelas, José

Maroco, João

Abstract(s)

This study aimed to contribute to the validation of psychological empowerment, which is a combination of sense of control (intrapersonal component), critical awareness of the sociopolitical environment (interactional component), and community involvement (behavioral component). Three scales of empowerment used to evaluate the 3 components were translated into Portuguese, adapted for the Portuguese population, and applied in person, by phone and by e-mail. Participants were enrolled in or had completed a program of recognition of prior learning. We tested reflective and formative measurement models and the results suggested that a reflective model fits the data better than a formative one. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed psychological empowerment as a hierarchical third-order factor. Second-order factors correspond to the intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral empowerment components, reflected in first-order factors: leadership competence, policy control, source of power, nature of power, instruments of power, and participation behaviors.