The Rat is back after a hiatus and during those times, I've come across numerous situations which seemed to be a constant theme wherever I went.

That situation has got to do with power, more precisely, the word "empower". Much has been written about this word.

For a moment, let's look at the meaning of the word in two dictionaries; one conventional called the Oxford and the other more sexy looking internet embraced dictionary called Wiktionary (by Wikipedia).

The Oxford dictionary describes the verb "empower" as "to give authority or power to; authorize; give strength and confidence to".

The Wiktionary's descriptions of the word are "to give (someone) permission to do something (allow, let, permit); to give (someone) the confidence to do something (inspire)".

I shall share my observation of this word in the Asian context.

Most of us would be familiar with the style of Western managers who practices empowerment. Most often it follows both the descriptions of Oxford and Wiktionary.

In the Asian culture, face or guanxi is prevalent in society that this extends even to the work place. It does not matter much if a Multi National Corporation from the west employs a local Asian to head the organisation; the practise of empowerment in the company would most likely adopt the Asian way of empowerment.

Call it cultural or society practices in Asia, guanxi is person specific i.e. the relationship of trust between two persons are paramount because this relationship cannot be transferred. Before you are empowered, there must be an established trust which is visible, so much so, the visibility is sometimes equated to being loyal to the person giving the power.

This so different especially where trust needs to be established in a empowered relationship?

The difference comes in the form of respect for the elders. In the western concept, empowerment is determined by the nature of the function and its powers bestowed upon the situation.

Elders can mean more than just an age determinant, it is also a position determinant. In the corporate context, this refers to the reporting or hierarchical standing of the person in the company.

While globalisation has come like a tsunami in the 21st century, the practise of respect is still very much demanded by the elders in Asia, even though, many will not admit it. It will take at least another two generations in Asia before the meaning and practise of empowerment as described in the two leading dictionaries comes to fruit.

In any case, this will depend on the circumstance and practises that the management adopts.

Employees who look for companies that empowers and gives them the confidence to make decisions will find such environment frustrating. On the other hand, subserviant employees will prefer such pratices, as untimately, the final decision is made by the boss; giving face to the boss that he is the ultimately deicision maker.

The "face" will most likely dictate that way bosses and employees govern empowerment in the Asian context.

Such is the way that The Rat will share the practice of Coaching and Mentoring in Asia next…watch this space…