The Role of Community Engagement, Social Support Programs, and Digital Advocacy in Enhancing Social Welfare Outcomes: The Mediating Effect of Social Empowerment

Abstract

This study investigates the role of community engagement, social support programs, and digital advocacy in enhancing social welfare outcomes, with social empowerment examined as a mediating variable. The primary purpose of the research is to explore how participatory practices, supportive interventions, and digital platforms collectively contribute to improving social welfare, particularly within the socio-economic context of Pakistan. Using a quantitative research design, data was collected through a structured survey questionnaire administered to a sample of 400 respondents from various regions of Pakistan. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis to assess the measurement and structural models. The findings reveal that community engagement, social support programs, and digital advocacy each have significant positive effects on social empowerment. Additionally, social empowerment demonstrates a strong and positive impact on social welfare outcomes. The results highlight the importance of fostering empowerment through participatory and supportive initiatives to achieve sustainable welfare improvements. This study offers theoretical contributions by validating the mediating role of empowerment and provides practical implications for policymakers and development practitioners seeking to enhance social welfare outcomes in developing countries.