Rapid changes in modern society require organizations to innovate and reform to keep up with and adequately address needs. A competitive organization must retain employees who are devoted to and satisfied with their work. Empowerment of employees by organizational managers is one way by which to motivate employees and thereby increase their productivity and effectiveness within the organization. This article presents meanings, contents, structures and models related to the concept of empowerment and the process of its application. An extensive literature review was conducted. Study results are hoped to provide to nursing leaders a reference in order to execute empowerment concepts effectively within their organizations.