CPIM Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of employee empowerment?

1. Authority to make purchasing decisions without approval

2. Ability to supervise a team of managers

3. Power to enforce company rules

4. Authority to reject quality non-conforming products

The correct answer is: Authority to reject quality non-conforming products

Employee empowerment refers to the process of granting employees the autonomy, authority, and responsibility to make decisions related to their work and to contribute to the organization’s success. This often leads to increased job satisfaction, ownership, and engagement among employees. In the provided scenario, the authority to reject quality non-conforming products exemplifies employee empowerment because it allows employees to take initiative and make critical quality-related decisions. This responsibility not only involves assessing the quality of products but also carries the implication that employees are trusted to uphold the standards of the organization, thereby directly impacting the company's reputation and operational efficiency. In contrast, other options, while related to authority, do not fully encapsulate the broader concept of empowerment. For instance, the authority to make purchasing decisions without approval does grant decision-making power, but it may lack the direct connection to employee engagement and responsibility tied to creating quality or value. Similarly, the ability to supervise a team of managers indicates a hierarchical role rather than empowerment in the decision-making process itself. Lastly, the power to enforce company rules implies a more compliance-oriented role without the intrinsic motivation that comes from empowerment to enhance processes and outcomes based on personal judgment and expertise. Thus, the authority to reject quality non-conforming products stands out as the most