The Journal of Social Sciences Research

ISSN(e): 2411-9458, ISSN(p): 2413-6670

Vol. 6, Issue. 3, pp: 293-299, 2020 Academic Research Publishing
URL: https://arpgweb.com/journal/journal/7 Group
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32861/jssr.63.293.299

Original Research Open Access

Effect of Group Participative Communication and Economic Empowerment of

Independent Women
Ana Kuswanti*
Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Pembangunan National Veteran Jakarta University, Indonesia

Amiruddin Saleh
Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia

Aida Vitayala S Hubeis

Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia

Herien Puspitawati
Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia

Munadhil Abdul Muqsith

Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Pembangunan National Veteran Jakarta University, Indonesia

Abstract
The study aims to analyze the effect of participatory group communication and the economic empowerment of
female household towards economic independence. The female head of a family in the city of Batang, central Java,
Indonesia has a condition of economic limitations. Therefore, the Pekka group paid attention to women heads of
households to be empowered. The respondents were 229 female heads of household, consisting of nine single,
married 150, widowed 70 Pekka. The research found a real influence between participatory communication between
groups and economic empowerment on Pekka's economic independence. The results show that the direction of
problem-solving communication has the most contribution in forming participatory communication groups, and
access to capital has the most contribution in forming economic empowerment in realizing Pekka's economic
independence.
Keywords: Group participatory communication; Economic empowerment; Independence women, Head of a family.
CC BY: Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

1. Introduction
The female head of a family in the city of Batang has a condition of economic limitations. Efforts to alleviate
poverty through empowerment and quality improvement of human resources, one of which is the empowerment
program that is currently developed by Pekka Batang through participatory communication within Pekka groups, has
the objective to empower the economy.
The principle of women's economic independence is to respect and prioritize women. Moreover, it provides
opportunities for women to be able to overcome obstacles and family economic problems. Women's economic
empowerment is carried out to organize a better life for the survival of household life.
One of the efforts in women's economic empowerment in the city of Batang through Pekka groups is to develop
economic improvement activities through self-help with a revolving fund. The activity is named a saving and loan
cooperative. The funds collected are then managed, and then the funds are lent to all members in turn.
Loans are given based on the ability to repay loan installments and the size of the business to be developed.
Members are given knowledge about cooperatives, bookkeeping education through training so that they are able to
manage the funds correctly. Members repay loans on time. They gradually began to be able to empower
economically. Participatory communication is done openly, and all information is exchanged through Pekka groups,
whether in discussion forums, dialogues, regular meetings, or sending messages through WhatsApp.
Participatory communication has been able to be carried out well in Pekka groups. However, Pekka members, in
general, were more willing to listen to the information provided by the facilitators. The members thought that the
information conveyed by the companion was considered to be more accurate, and the way of delivering was
considered to be easier to comprehend and understand. Unlike the information that comes from the management of
cadres, members consider that the management and cadres are less active in providing information quickly and
accurately. Management and cadres are still not considered satisfying the members in explaining information clearly.
Economic empowerment is carried out at Pekka groups through training that has been carried out. Skills are
developed through training in the hope that members who have skills such as sewing, cooking, beauty,
entrepreneurship opening a grocery store, massaging, etc. can be developed in accordance with their talents and
abilities related to venture capital.

*Corresponding Author

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The economic independence of Pekka groups can be realized if participatory communication can work in
synergy among the management, cadres, members, and assistants. Therefore, in carrying out Pekka's economic
empowerment, it requires more dynamic communication and efforts to empower the economy more sustainably after
training through the Pekka center. The direction of the goal of independence can be realized if between participatory
communication and economic empowerment can be done first so that relevant economic independence can be
realized.
Based on the above explanation, the research aims to: (1) identify and describe participatory group
communication and economic empowerment, and economic independence. (2) analyze the effect of participatory
group communication and economic empowerment on economic independence.

2. Material and Method

The study used survey methods in Batang City - Central Java, Indonesia. The main advantage of the survey
method is that it can make generalizations for populations based on an analysis of samples from that population. The
study lasted eight months, which began in March to October 2019.
The population in this study was female heads of households in Batang City. The number of Pekka populations
in Batang City was 535, and twelve villages were selected, namely: (Botolambat Village, Tulis Village, Sambojo
Village, Wringin Gintung Village, Siberuk Village, Wonokerso Village, Jrakah Payung Village, Tegalsari Village,
Bakalan Village, Juragan Village, Cempereng Village, and Beji Village). Sampling (Kerlinger, 2006) was done by a
simple random sampling technique, and the sampling method was considered homogeneous. The subjects were taken
from each stratum or each region proportionally or in balance with the number of subjects in each stratum or region.
The number of respondents as many as 229 heads of families was obtained based on the Slovin formula with a fault
tolerance chosen of five percent.
Primary data were collected from Pekka members through questionnaires conducted by Pekka members
themselves in the city of Batang. The number of questions and Cronbach's alpha (α) of each variable are as follows:
Participatory Group Communication (36 questions; α = 0.622); Pekka Economic Empowerment (24 questions; α =
0.868), and Pekka Economic Independence (24 questions; α = 0.845).
The data obtained from the questionnaire were then inputted into the Excel program and through the process of
editing, coding, and cleaning. Then the data were analyzed using a computer program. The analyzes used in this
study were : (1) descriptive analysis used to describe and categorize the variables of participatory communication,
economic empowerment and economic independence using SPSS 22.0; and (2) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)
analysis to see the effect of participatory communication and economic empowerment on Pekka's economic
independence.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Participatory Communication of Pekka Groups
Based on the results of categorization of low <50% and high> 50% in the participatory communication variable,
the Pekka group was in the high category by 79.9%, and 20.1% belonged to the low category. The results are
presented in Table 1 Communication categories of the 2019 Pekka group

Table-1. Distribution of individual answers based on participatory

Participatory Communication Number (n) Percentage (%)
Low 46 20,1
High 183 79,9
n = 229

Based on the results of participatory communication categorization in Pekka groups seen in each dimension, the
results showed that the aspects of ideas and thought were included in the high category of 64.4%, that is, respondents
always and often provide ideas and ideas, have been present intensively in training activities and meetings, and have
understood the types of activities carried out at each meeting in Pekka participatory communication of 35.4%
respondents which were still relatively low.
The results on the dialogic dimension fell into the high category of 65.1%. This means that respondents are
always and often involved in the dialogue to exchange information, provide opinions, contribute to problem-solving,
take part in two-way communication activities either through face-to-face or through communication media, 34.9%
of respondents fall into the low category. The results on the dimension of discussion intensity showed that
respondents fell into the low category 54.1%, that is, respondents are not active in discussions to ask, give, and reject
information or opinions related to discussion activities in which 45.9% of respondents fall into the high category,
meaning that almost half of the respondents are always and often active in discussions, give information opinions
and suggestions.
The results on the dimension of the direction of communication showed that respondents fell into the low
category of 63%, that is, respondents tend to only follow the direction of communication from the companion, cadre,
and management in which 36.2% of respondents fell into the high category which means that respondents tend to
listen more to input, suggestions and be able to provide advice and good two-way communication occurrence so that
the communication that is established leads to open and positive communication.

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The results on the dimension of how to solve the problem fall into the high category - 67.2%. This means that
more than half of respondents have good participatory communication in helping to solve problems in which 32.8%
of respondents fell into the low category. This means that the direction of communication, dialogue, and the intensity
of the respondents' discussions is low so that problem solving through participatory communication cannot solve the
problem properly.
The results on the dimensions of leadership roles were considered into the high category - 71.2%. This means
that respondents have a comprehensive leadership thinking in which 28.8% of respondents fell into the low category,
that is, respondents do not have the skills. The results are presented in Table 2.

Table-2. Distribution of categories per participatory communication indicator in the 2019 Pekka group
Communication Activities Participative Category Number (n) Percentage (%)
Idea and thought Low 81 35,4
High 148 64,6
Dialogues Low 80 34,9
High 149 65,1
Discussion Intensity Low 124 54,1
High 105 45,9
Communication direction Low 146 63,8
High 83 36,2
Problem Solving Low 75 32,8
High 154 67,2
Leadership Role Low 66 28,8
High 163 71,2
n = 229

3.2. Pekka Economic Empowerment

Based on the results of the Pekka economic empowerment variables, it falls into the low category, that is, 50.2
and 49.8 belongs to the high category. The results are presented in Table 3.

Table-3. Distribution of individual answers based on PEKKA economic empowerment category 2019
Economic Empowerment Number (n) Percentage (%)
Low 115 50,2
High 114 49,8
n = 229

Based on the results of each dimension of economic empowerment variables in the Pekka group, there were
some different percentages. Access to capital is in the high category of 50.7%; that is, respondents always and often
use physical strength as the main capital in improving the family's economy, developing skills provided free of
charge by Pekka groups, improving their skills and attending training for venture capital. Based on the results of the
business assistance dimension, it falls into the low category of 59%. This means that respondents consider that the
assistance and training provided in Pekka groups are still not maximized to bring in income for them. Based on the
results of the skill management dimension into the low category, 62%. This means that respondents have not been
able to understand Pekka's problems, find expertise, and have not been able to maximize their existing skills. Based
on the results of the risk management dimension, this belongs to the high category, that is, 51.1%. This means that
respondents are able to identify, analyze, do, avoid, minimize, and implement training that has been taught in Pekka
groups. The results are presented in Table 4.

Table-4. Distribution of categories per indicator of economic empowerment in the 2019 Pekka group
Economic Empowerment in group Category Number (n) Percentage (%)
Capital Access Low 113 49,3
High 116 50,7
Business Accompaniment Low 135 59,0
High 94 41,0
Skill Management Low 142 62,0
High 87 38,0
Risk Management Low 112 48,9
High 117 51,1
n = 229

Based on the results of the categorization of economic independence variables, this fell into the low category,
that is, 83.0%, meaning that more than half of respondents still have the ability to meet the needs of low life,
productive business capabilities that have not been maximized, still unable to overcome and make decisions in a
problem. However, 17.0% of respondents fall into the high category. The results are presented in Table 5.

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Table-5. Distribution of individual answers based on the category of independence economy in the 2019 Pekka group
Economic Independence Number (n) Percentage (%)
Low 190 83,0
High 39 17,0
n = 229

Based on the results of each dimension on the economic independence variable, this shows different
percentages. Dimensions of living needs belong to the low category, that is, 70.7%. This means that more than half
of respondents often lend capital for living needs and sell assets for family economic needs. The dimension of
productive business capability is in the low category of 78.1%; that is, more than half of the respondents only
focused on being workers and did not have a side business. Dimensions of the ability to overcome problems fell into
the low category of 86.9%, meaning that almost all respondents have not been able to pay installments and open a
business for others. Dimensions of ability to make decisions fall into the low category 68.6%. This means that more
than half the respondents do not have the courage to invest in a business and help business friends. The results are
presented in Table 6.

Table-6. Distribution of categories per economic independence indicator for Pekka 2019
Economic Independence Category Number (n) Percentage (%)
Life need Low 162 70,7
High 67 29,3
Productive Business Low 179 78,1
High 50 21,9
Economic Independence Category Number (n) Percentage (%)
Problem Solving Low 199 86,9
High 30 13,1
Decision Making Low 157 68,6
High 72 31,4
n = 229

3.3. The Effect of Participatory Group Communication and Economic Empowerement on

Economic Independence
Estimate (Loading Factor) and T test

Figure-1. Test of goodness of fit model 2019

Table-7. Results of processing and testing of goodness of fit

Goodness-of-Fit Cutt-off-Value Result Conclusion
X² - Chi-square Expected small 124.20 Has not reached goodness of fit
Significance ≥ 0.05 P = 0.000
RMSEA ≤ 0.08 0.076 goodness of fit
GFI Close to 1 0.94 goodness of fit
NFI Close to 1 1.00 goodness of fit
CFI Close to 1 1.00 goodness of fit

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Table 7 shows the results of the processing for testing the goodness of fit which indicated that by using the chi-
square test it could be concluded that the p-value was 0.000 <0.05 so that Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted,
which means the resulting model showed that the model was not good, but we could see other goodness of fit
because the chi-square was influenced by data and models. In addition, SEM provides an alternative to using other
goodness of fit indicators. RMSEA criteria produce a value of 0.076 0.08, which means that the resulting model is
the goodness of fit.
The use of other goodness of fit criteria is as follows GFI, NFI, and CFI produce a value> 0.9, which means the
resulting model has the goodness of fit. Because the results of the conclusions of several indicators produce the
conclusion of the model of the goodness of fit, the hypothesis hypotheses testing can be done.

3.4. Hypothesis Testing Theory

Hypothesis 1 states that participatory group communication (X3) has a direct positive effect on Pekka's
economic independence (Y2). From processing results, it can be obtained an estimated coefficient of 0.24, which
means that the higher the participatory communication group (X3), the higher the economic independence of Pekka
(Y2) both directly and indirectly. These results indicate that the theoretical hypothesis proposed is proven with a
statistical value of 9.07> t-table 1.96, which means that Ho is rejected so that it can be concluded that there is a
positive effect of the participatory communication group (X3) on Pekka's economic independence (Y2).
Hypothesis 2 states that the participatory communication group (X3) has an indirect positive effect on Pekka's
economic independence (Y2). From processing results, it can be obtained an estimated coefficient of 0.03, which
means that the higher the participatory communication (X3), the higher the economic independence of women
household heads (Y2) indirectly and directly. These results indicate that the proposed theoretical hypothesis is
proven with a statistical value of 2.35> t-table 1.96, which means that Ho is rejected so that it can be concluded that
there is an indirect positive effect of participatory communication group (X3) on Pekka's economic independence
(Y2).
The result shows that participatory communication groups have a real and positive influence on economic
empowerment and economic independence. According to Kurniawati (2010), it revealed that the higher the
participation, the higher the independence. Good participatory communication and empowerment will create
maximum economic independence. Economic independence is one of the objectives of the community
empowerment program. The poor certainly want economic independence so that they can prosper their lives. Lack of
knowledge in managing finances, lack of skills in work, low levels of education, limited capital, and stalled
businesses are some of the factors that make it difficult for them to realize their desires, namely economic
independence in order to prosper their family life. The existence of these factors made the poor obtain a place, and
empowered so they can develop themselves, increase knowledge in managing finances (Avilliani, 2012). Related to
this, Wilkins et al. (2014) stated that participatory communication is communication that understands the process of
dialogue in forming togetherness, where exchanges occur and put forward the idea that communication must activate
critical reflexivity, dialogue, and awareness-raising.
In line with this, Putri et al. (2016) said that the empowerment of women must first begin by raising awareness
of their potential so that potentials can be developed by providing skills, knowledge, and getting closer to sources. In
addition, it minimizes threats that come from outside and conducts coaching continuously until the group is
independent. This is what continues to be done in increasing Pekka's economic independence through participatory
communication and economic empowerment.
It was further said; economic independence could only be realized if development was carried out on
community initiatives as a form of awareness to be independent. Economic independence is an attitude in which
people can regulate, fulfill, and not depend on the will of others in activities aimed at obtaining goods and services
that become their needs (Sugeng, 2008). Independent behavior is the basic foundation of a person in improving the
quality of work in Sagir's work (Kamil, 2010). The independent soul grows and develops along with the growth of
the concept of entrepreneurship and soul (independent) is determined by three main components that exist in a
person, namely will, perseverance and tenacity (Soetomo, 2016).
Economic independence has become a necessity or demand that must be realized immediately. Dependence on
outsiders will always be the cause of someone, or the family does not become independent in the family economy.
According to Avilliani (2012), economic independence is defined as a nation, community, or family that has
economic resilience to various crises and does not depend on outsiders. A person or group is said to have a strong
identity and character if they have economic independence. In line with the results of the study by Shomedran (2016)
regarding economic independence, the results showed a change in the economic independence of the citizens, which
can be seen from an increase in income from waste savings and the existence of business from processed waste
crafts. Economic independence cannot be achieved without good communication within the Pekka group.
Group communication through research findings (Nuryanti, 2018) states that the bona fide group theory is a
collection of two or more individuals whose presence of each individual has meaning and value for individuals with
one another. Comprehensive group communication through bona fide group theory according to the opinions of
Puthnam and Stohl (2003) in Littlejohn and Karen (2012); Frey (2003); comprehensive group through bona fide
group theory has made a communication process occurs in which there are attitudes, actions, loyalties, and
empowerment; whereas the activity of processing inputs includes reliability, group linkages, individual interactions,
and task-oriented interactions; and creating outputs in which there are trust, environmental interrelation, group
interaction, and group independence.

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Based on the research findings, it can be seen that the direction of communication has the greatest contribution
to supporting participatory group education. The direction of communication carried out in Pekka groups is an open
direction of communication and provides positive information in supporting the progress of Pekka group
communication. However, there are still group members who are still not active in providing ideas and thought in
meetings or discussions. Furthermore, with regard to economic empowerment, access to capital is the most
contributing dimension in supporting economic empowerment, indeed within the Pekka group, group members are
still hampered in accessing capital to become independent. Despite this, Pekka groups have been faced with
economic independence, most Pekka group members have been able to meet the necessities of life, open productive
micro-businesses even though only small businesses, have the ability to overcome problems and have the courage to
make decisions. Many Pekka members have culinary skills such as making chips from the processing of their own
natural resources or clothing, such as sewing and making crafts to help meet their daily needs. The Pekka program
continues to invite and encourage Pekka members to be active and enthusiastic in participating in all the training to
continuously support skills even though the training is not conducted on a scale basis. Related to this, according to
Suharto (2015), the role of a protector in assistance is important to be done in order to maximize social supervision
to all Pekka groups so that they can become independent.

4. Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the categorization of participatory communication
variables in Pekka groups is 70% high. It appears that the highest dimension is the role of leadership. Pekka's
economic empowerment is in the low category of 49.8%, with the highest dimension being risk management. The
Pekka group already understands how to overcome risks in entrepreneurship. The results show the economic
independence variable is in the low category of 17.3%, with the highest percentage in the decision making
dimension. This means that Pekka groups like to have the courage to go forward and be brave in making decisions
for economic independence.
The results of SEM analysis show that there is a direct and tangible influence between participatory
communication within Pekka groups and Pekka's economic empowerment to Pekka's economic independence. This
is supported by the implementation of Pekka's economic empowerment, which is marked by the involvement and
participation of groups to get involved in planning, formulating, and implementing program activities and the sense
of ownership and participation of groups in the implementation of activities and training within Pekka. Pekka's
participatory communication also indirectly influences Pekka's economic independence, and participatory
communication influences Pekka's economic empowerment. There is a change in the economic group, i.e., realizing
the economic independence of Pekka group members marked by an increase in income and a creation of a business
from processed natural resources themselves, handicrafts, and also increased public speaking skills even though not
everything can be maximally and evenly distributed felt by Pekka groups. On the other hand, assistance has been
carried out well by facilitators in Pekka activities through participatory communication and economic empowerment
in realizing Pekka's economy. The effect of participatory group communication is greater than that of the Pekka
economic empowerment.
The research also shows that if the scope of Pekka's economic independence is bad or good, it is caused by
participatory communication of the group prior to Pekka's economic empowerment, so researchers place more
emphasis on participatory communication in Pekka groups than Pekka's economic empowerment in order to achieve
maximum economic independence.

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