Which term refers to giving employees control over their work and the authority to make decisions?

• A. Delegation
• B. Empowerment
• C. Fringe benefits
• D. Job rotation

Answer: (B)

Empowerment is the concept of giving employees control over their work and the authority to make decisions. When managers empower staff, they trust them to choose approaches, solve problems, and respond to challenges without needing constant approval. This autonomy boosts motivation, ownership, and the speed of decision-making, especially when employees are given the information, training, and resources they need to act effectively.

Fringe benefits are extra compensation or perks, not related to decision-making power. Job rotation involves moving people through different roles to build skills, again not about giving broader decision authority. Delegation, while related, typically means assigning specific tasks to someone while the manager retains overall control and accountability, rather than granting wide-ranging decision-making power. So empowerment best fits the idea of giving real control and authority to employees.