Patterns of empowerment in individuals through the course of a life-skills programme in South Africa

Abstract

AbstractThis research focuses on examining the effects of a local life-skills training programme as an intervention that claims to empower workers. The effects were observed on three levels of empowerment (micro-level, interface level and macro-level) at three testing occasions (before the course, directly after and then three months after completion of the programme). By applying a factor analysis the patterns of empowerment were examined to observe the prominent features present in participants (n = 37) based on the confines of the designed standardised questionnaire. In the long term, there was a shift from micro-level personal issues to more external issues and growth in terms of their critical thinking ability. They had a more positive outlook on life, greater feelings of confidence and self-respect, and a heightened feeling of control over life circumstances. There was retention of change and signs of continued growth during the following three months in the workplace.