CPIM Practice Exam

Which statement best describes employee empowerment?

1. Management is relieved of the responsibility for monitoring employee results.

2. Employees determine the specification limits for parts they make.

3. Line employees are given authority to make decisions.

4. Decision-making is concentrated with upper management.

The correct answer is: Line employees are given authority to make decisions.

The statement that best describes employee empowerment is that line employees are given authority to make decisions. Employee empowerment means that employees are entrusted with the power to make decisions related to their work, which enhances their ability to take initiative, solve problems, and contribute to the organization’s success. This concept revolves around creating a workplace culture where employees feel valued and confident in their ability to influence outcomes, leading to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and innovation. By giving line employees the authority to make decisions, organizations tap into their insights and expertise, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. In contrast, options that suggest management is relieved of monitoring responsibilities, employees determining specifications independently, or decision-making being concentrated with upper management do not encapsulate the essence of empowerment. Instead, these options either imply a lack of involvement, distorted authority, or centralization of power, which contradicts the purpose and benefits of empowering employees in the decision-making process.