Final answer:
Joe Brown is empowering his staff by training them to take on more responsibilities and make decisions, fostering a more autonomous and growth-oriented work environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given scenario, Joe Brown is empowering his staff by training them to take additional responsibilities and make decisions within a specific scope. This approach shifts the traditional hierarchy towards a more egalitarian partnership where employees contribute value to the organization while developing their job and career growth skills. The intention to empower employees aligns with modern management strategies, which recognize the importance of giving teams autonomy and promoting independent decision-making as a way to increase satisfaction and growth in the workplace.