UNIPMA – Metik Asmike, S.E., M.M., a lecturer in the Management Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA), served as a speaker at an International Virtual Lecture held in collaboration with Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Philippines, on Friday (August 28).

The online lecture was attended by students and lecturers from the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Human Resource Management (BSBA HRM) program at MMSU. During the session, Metik Asmike, S.E., M.M., delivered a presentation entitled Leadership and Empowerment, focusing on leadership and employee empowerment in the modern workplace.

The discussion focused on the changing role of leaders in modern work environments through the empowering leadership approach. Leaders are no longer expected merely to give instructions, but also to serve as facilitators who build trust and provide employees with opportunities to grow and develop.

Metik explained that granting autonomy to employees should be accompanied by clear delegation of authority. Employees who are given opportunities to make decisions and contribute to organizational goals are more likely to develop a stronger sense of responsibility and ownership of their work.

“Empowerment is not merely about granting authority, but also about building trust and capacity so that employees are able to make decisions responsibly,” she said.

She further explained that empowerment should also be supported through coaching and mentoring. These approaches can help employees enhance their competencies while preparing potential new leaders within the organization.

Empowering leadership is also closely related to efforts to foster employee motivation, job satisfaction, and engagement. Therefore, organizations need to establish an open and transparent work culture that provides employees with opportunities to express their ideas and take initiative.

According to Metik Asmike, S.E., M.M., leaders also need to be adaptive and communicative in responding to organizational dynamics. Providing team members with greater autonomy should still be accompanied by clear guidance so that freedom in carrying out their responsibilities remains aligned with organizational goals.

“Leaders need to provide team members with room to grow while ensuring that the organization’s direction and goals remain clear,” she concluded.

The session also provided HRM students with a broader understanding of human resource management, emphasizing that HRM should not focus solely on administrative functions, but also on capacity development and cultivating leadership from within the organization.

Through the session, UNIPMA’s perspective on human resource management was introduced to MMSU students and lecturers, particularly regarding the interconnectedness of leadership, employee empowerment, and organizational performance.