The present study provides a theoretical review of the impact of human resources (HR) empowerment on the effectiveness of Jordanian higher education institutions (HEIs) by examining the relevant theoretical and empirical studies. This review is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the meaning of the concept of empowerment, and its goals. It also deals with the benefits of HR empowerment generally and more specifically withthe key dimensions of empowerment in the Jordanian context. The second part deals with the meaning of the concept of effectiveness, the difference between effectiveness and efficiency, standards of effectiveness, and the relationship between HR empowerment and the effectiveness of HEIs. It also deals with some of the approaches that have been developed to measure organizational effectiveness. Then some conclusions and recommendations are made that may contribute to enhancing HR empowerment in Jordanian HEIs.

Keywords: Human resources, Employee performance, Empowerment dimensions, Strategic planning and Quality assurance