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Locus of Control
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Locus of Control

Rotter (1966) explains that those of us whose view it is that they are in charge of their own fate, are referred to as ‘Internals’ and those whose view it is that what happens to them is controlled by outside factors are referred to as ‘Externals’. Characteristics of internals are confidence, alertness and directive whereas external tend to be more passive (Ng, Sorensen & Eby: 2006).

Though not restricted to discussions in Organisational Behaviour, as a concept, Locus of Control is significant because research has shown that those who are Internals are less satisfied with their employment than the Externals. Studies have found that internal locus was positively associated with favorable work outcomes, such as positive task and social experiences, and greater job motivation (Ng, Sorensen & Eby: 2006).

Rotter J, 1966, Generalised Expectancies for Internet Versus External Control of Reinforcement, Psychological Monographs, vol. 80, no. 609, 1966

Ng, T, Sorensen K and Eby, L, 2006, Locus of control at work: a meta-analysis, Journal of Organizational Behaviour, vol 27, pg 1057–1087, 2006