EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING: A CASE STUDY OF KENDARI REGIONAL OFFICE UNIVERSITAS TERBUKA AND HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNICATION SCIENCES (STIKOM) YOGYAKARTA

Abstract

Distance learning was first utilized at the Indonesian Open University.  The COVID-19 pandemic rise has also altered the teaching and learning process to become online education. This is an opportunity for STIKOM Yogyakarta to launch an online Bachelor's degree transfer program from a Diploma to a Bachelor's degree. The possibility of completing remote education through online learning is empowering for employees. The empowerment of employees through distance learning demonstrates that these employees have access to the necessary resources and knowledge to become educated and more productive at work when they work to their full potential. This study's objectives were to (1) describe strategies for empowering employees through distance learning programs, (2) analyze the achievement of indicators of employee empowerment after completion of the distance learning program, and (3) identify factors that support and inhibit employee empowerment through distance learning. This study employs a qualitative case study research method.  Through in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions, data was collected. There were ten research participants, including five Kendari Regional Office Open University students and five STIKOM Yogyakarta transfer program students. The findings of the study indicate that (1) the empowerment strategy is implemented by creating an environment that allows the employee's potential to develop (enabling) and strengthens the employee's potential or power (empowering) through the use of special programs and guidance while participating in a distance learning program. Indicators of employee empowerment include the emergence of initiative and independence in the performance of work, the ability to make decisions and propose proposals to superiors, and expanded potential and skills for both the performance of work and career advancement. The supportive indicators for employee empowerment are the workplace institution's support and wisdom as well as universities offering distance learning, whereas the obstructing factors are the internet network's quality and time management.