Abstract

Previous studies shows that the failure of community development in Malaysia always related with two aspects such as the emphasis on top-down approach which is the centralization of power without the active participation of community members and also a limited understanding of the needs and aspirations of the local people. Therefore the main objective of this study is to understand the meaning of empowerment from the world-view of Bidayuh community itself. This study using abductive research strategy and a phenomenology research paradigm which is based on idealist ontology and constructionist epistemology. This paradigm focuses on the lived experience of the Bidayuh Bukar community which are shaped by their own value and daily life experience. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews conducted with 50 informants. The Bidayuh understanding of empowerment was analysed from themes derived from the knowledge, experience, interpretation, action and the reaction of the Bidayuh Bukar community world view.  The findings show that the Bidayuh understanding of empowerment is a process in which power is developed, promoted, obtained, shared, simplified or adapted by individual or groups in social interaction that would allow them the ability to use internal capability themselves to do something, to take effect and make a difference in the community as a product that has been strengthened. In short, it refers to a process in which a person or a group are at a point where they are able to use the skills, ability and capacity themselves in understanding, interpreting problems and then define the requirements and translate these requirements to the process definition action through participation in the organization itself.

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