Organizational characteristics of empowering community settings: a multiple case study approach.
Although empowerment is often cited as a major guiding construct for community psychology, relatively little is known about the characteristics of empowering community settings. The current paper uses a multiple case study methodology to generate a number of key organizational characteristics of empowering community settings to guide future work in the area. In-depth, multilevel, longitudinal research was conducted on three empowering community settings: a religious fellowship, a mutual help organization for persons with severe mental illness, and an educational program for African American students. The organization features found to characterize all three settings were (a) a belief system that inspires growth, is strengths-based, and is focused beyond the self; (b) an opportunity role structure that is pervasive, highly accessible, and multifunctional; (c) a support system that is encompassing, peer-based, and provides a sense of community; and (d) leadership that is inspiring, talented, shared, and committed to both setting and members. Limitations of the research are discussed, and directions for future research suggested.
Maton
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Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Catonsville 21228, USA.
Salem
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D000328:Adult; D003255:Consumer Organizations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010379:Peer Group; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012380:Role; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support