By distinguishing between empowerment cognitions and empowerment acts, the effect of gender is tested on (a) the impact of empowerment and disempowerment acts on subordinates’ empowerment cognitions, and (b) the direct impact of these acts on subsequent job satisfaction and performance. A total of 135 master of business administration students participated in a three-session simulation of the empowerment process. Findings indicate that although empowerment cognitions are affected by empowerment and disempowerment acts for both men and women, the impact of empowerment acts on job satisfaction and performance varies by gender.
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