ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
Against the backdrop of rapid transformation in higher education, enhancing the effectiveness of human resource development has become a key challenge for higher education institutions. Existing research has not fully explored how empowerment influences the effectiveness of human resource development through behavioral psychological mechanisms. This study aims to fill this gap. Focusing on the two core dimensions of empowerment and engagement, this study examines the impact mechanisms of these two factors on the effectiveness of human resource development in higher education institutions. Based on the survey data of 105 scholars from three higher education institutions and using quantitative analysis methods for verification, the results show that empowerment not only directly and positively predicts the effectiveness of human resource development but also has a significant indirect promoting effect by enhancing the engagement level of scholars, indicating that engagement plays a partial mediating role between empowerment and the effectiveness of human resource development. This study integrates the psychological empowerment theory and the work engagement theory, revealing the behavioral path for achieving the effectiveness of human resource development in the academic environment. Thus, it provides a new explanatory perspective for the relevant theoretical mechanisms and offers valuable references for higher education institution managers to design empowerment-oriented policies, establish structured participation mechanisms, and thereby promote organizational continuous development and academic excellence.
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