What aspect is essential for personal and collective goal attainment in empowerment theory?

In empowerment theory, cultivating resources and functional competence is essential for both personal and collective goal attainment. This aspect focuses on enhancing individuals' ability to utilize available resources effectively, thereby enabling them to achieve their desired outcomes. By fostering functional competence, individuals and groups can develop the skills and confidence necessary to navigate challenges, advocate for their needs, and contribute to their communities. This empowerment process not only helps individuals fulfill their personal goals but also strengthens collective efforts toward social change, as people are better equipped to work together and address shared issues.

Building social connections is important but secondary to the development of competence and resource utilization. While social networks can offer support and access to information, they are most effective when individuals possess the skills and resources needed to leverage those connections for empowerment. Engaging in competitive practices does not align with the collaborative spirit of empowerment theory, which seeks to uplift individuals and communities rather than pit them against one another. Similarly, emphasizing individualism contradicts the collective focus of empowerment, which recognizes that social well-being is interconnected and benefits from shared efforts and community solidarity.