Organizational characteristics of empowering community settings: A multiple case study approach

Abstract

Although empowerment is often cited as a major guiding construct for community psychology, relatively little is known about the characteristics of empowering community settings. The current paper uses a multiple case study methodology to generate a number of key organizational characteristics of empowering community settings to guide future work in the area. In-depth, multilevel, longitudinal research was conducted on three empowering community settings: a religious fellowship, a mutual help organization for persons with severe mental illness, and an educational program for African American students. The organization features found to characterize all three settings were (a) a belief system that inspires growth, is strengths-based, and is focused beyond the self; (b) an opportunity role structure that is pervasive, highly accessible, and multifunctional; (c) a support system that is encompassing, peer-based, and provides a sense of community; and (d) leadership that is inspiring, talented, shared, and committed to both setting and members. Limitations of the research are discussed, and directions for future research suggested.

The effectiveness and active ingredients of mutual support groups for family caregivers of people with psychotic disorders: A literature review

“…As suggested in the social relationship and empowerment model, mutual support groups can be an important asset in developing such new relationships in an accepting social environment, and especially important if the families have been isolated by their problems related to caring for mentally ill patients (Borkman, 1999;Maton and Salem, 1995). Zimmerman (1990) and Perkins and Zimmerman (1995) have applied this idea in an organisational case study of GROW, a self-help community mental health movement for mentally ill populations in the United States (U.S.) and Australia.…”

The effectiveness of mutual support group intervention for Chinese families of people with schizophrenia: A randomised controlled trial with 24-month follow-up

“…During group meetings, each participant can also learn from others by exchanging caregiving experiences and information about mental illness (Asen, 2002). Maton and Salem (1995) applied the concepts of the psychological empowerment of individual participants and the social action process in a mutual support group in a case study on GROW, an international mutual support group network for mentally ill people that originated in Australia in 1957. They suggested that the empowerment of mutual support group members could be fostered by establishing a peer support system, inspiring individual members and providing them with opportunities to take on meaningful roles to be mutually supportive and strive for better mental health within group.…”

Pathways to Effectiveness in Substance Abuse Prevention: Empowering Organizational Characteristics of Community-Based Coalitions

“…Maton's Organizational Characteristics Scale (Maton, 1988) used a Likert-type scale to measure perceptions of three organizational characteristics in community-based organizations: (a) leadership, (b) opportunity role structure, and (c) social support. First, the leadership subscale assessed the extent to which individuals with formal or informal responsibility within a group were interpersonally and organizationally talented, werer committed and dedicated to the organization, and supported and responded well to group members.…”