Perception of Empowerment among International Students at the University Putra Malaysia

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.

A Qualitative Case Study on Experiences of Universities and Industries Linkages in Nigeria

“…The privilege for graduates to envisage in the industries are very essential types of career development through extra training experiences and work placement that can enhance graduates to be prospective and future-oriented professional or expertise in technical works based on the positive choice and authentication of understanding of various occupations Mann et al, (2016);Baker Dearing Educational Trust (2017). According to Aloysius I. O (2013) stated that empowerment refers to the enhancement of graduates' autonomy for decision makings. The study stipulated that empowering of graduates enhance personal qualities such as responsibility, self-confidence, self-control, social skill, honesty, integrity, adaptability, flexibility, team spirit, punctuality, efficiency, self-directedness, good work attitude, good grooming, cooperation, self-motivation and self-management.…”