Employee Empowerment as a Predictor of Job Satisfaction: Examining the Mediating Effect of Employee Trust and Employee Value

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of employee empowerment on employee trust and employee perceived value, and to investigate the mediating roles of employee trust and employee value in the relationship between employee empowerment and job satisfaction. The study targeted both academic and administrative staff of Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University and University of Balochistan, with a sample of 320 respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using correlation and regression techniques. The findings revealed that employee empowerment significantly contributes to positive employee perceptions, particularly greater trust and a stronger sense of value within the organization. Furthermore, employee trust and perceived value positively influence job satisfaction and mediate the relationship between employee empowerment and job satisfaction. The findings have important implications for university management and higher authorities, suggesting that empowerment-oriented practices can enhance employee satisfaction and potentially improve overall organizational performance. The study recommends that higher education institutions strengthen empowerment practices to foster trust, recognition, satisfaction, and improved employee outcomes.