Abstract

Empowerment means enhancement of student's autonomy for decision making. Reports have shown that students who are empowered perform better, and have better relationship with the staff. Therefore this study was carried out to explore the experience of student’s empowerment at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Malaysia. Informed by a phenomenological qualitative research design, analysis of various sources of primary data was carried out using semi-structured interviews with international and local students to understand their opinions and perceptions about empowerment. Results obtained were analyzed, transcribed and discussed about their perception of empowerment and the effect on performance. The findings showed a sense of dis-empowerment among the informants was due to lack of motivation and problems associated with integration between the students and the staff. Student's reported that they can be empowered by allowing them more freedom in their studies. However, they recommend that management should assist in sensitizing local student's to feel free to socialize with international students for improved performance.

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