The Mediating Role of Structural Empowerment in the Relationship Between Quality of Work Life and Psychological Empowerment in the Palestinian Ministry of Education

Abstract

This study aims to explore and describe the mediating role of structural empowerment in the relationship between quality of work life and psychological empowerment. To achieve this goal, the researcher followed the analytical-descriptive approach, and used the questionnaire as the main tool for collecting primary data. The target study population consisted of (630) administrative employees in various positions at the Palestinian Ministry of Education (the Ministry). The questionnaire was distributed to an available sample of (239) employees, out of which (229) questionnaires were retrieved. After excluding (25) questionnaires as outliers, only (204) were valid for statistical analysis. The researcher used the statistical package for human and social sciences (SPSS) and the advanced statistical analysis program (SmartPLS.3) to answer the research questions, test its hypotheses, and achieve its objectives. After analyzing the data and testing the hypotheses of the study, the researcher found that, despite the prevalence of general feelings of satisfaction and pride in working at the Ministry among the employees, the level of quality of work life was moderate. In addition, compensations and benefits received by the employees of the Ministry were relatively low compared to the cost of living in Palestine. Furthermore, the findings revealed the presence of high levels of both psychological and structural empowerment at the Ministry. The study also confirmed that the quality of work life has a statistically significant positive effect on both psychological and structural empowerment, whereas structural empowerment positively affects psychological empowerment. Structural empowerment also partially mediates the effect of quality of work life on psychological empowerment in the Palestinian Ministry of Education. The study concluded with a number of recommendations, the most important among which is the need to enhance the quality of work-life requirements in the Palestinian Ministry of Education. In addition, it recommended adjusting the Civil Service Law to ensure fair and adequate compensation for all employees of the Ministry. The study also recommended enhancing harmony among employees and their managers by fostering continuous interaction between them. Furthermore, the researcher emphasized the necessity of providing the employees with the information necessary to perform their duties, in a clear and accessible way, as well as focusing on and investing in both structural and psychological employee empowerment, due to the many benefits they bring about for the organization and the employees alike.