An internal locus of control means that a person will consider their success or failures based on their own effort and abilities. On the other hand, a person with an external locus of control will consider the success or failure based on chance, luck, or fate. These two locus of controls are not discrete, but are part of a continuum and individuals can have experiences that vary between the two loci. Some people would argue that locus of control is an innate characteristic, but others suggest that it can be shaped by life experience. For example, a child that is encouraged to be independent and makes connections between actions and consequences have been shown to have developed a stronger sense of an internal locus of control (Joelson, 2017). If the development of a strong and positive internal locus of control can be influenced, then it would suggest that self-motivated individuals can be developed. In terms of leadership, would a person with an internal locus of control be better than one with an external locus of control? Let me contemplate on my own personal experience...
Photo: My personal results from the Rotter's Locus of Control Scale.
Based on the Rotter's Locus of Control Scale, I received a rating of having a strong internal locus of control. I agree with this result because I do relate my success and failures based on my own effort. Since childhood, there has been a constant push from my parents to strive for success especially in academics. They made it clear that the effort I put forth into homework and studying would payoff in being able to ace an exam and excel in the class. This cultivation of an internal locus of control is related to what Ahlin & Antunes (2015) found in youth being able to become more well-adjusted when facing uncertainty and the ability to deal with stress in a more effective manner compared to those with an external locus of control. This would also be applied to other aspects of my life while growing up. Through my teen years, I became more self-sufficient and self-motivating in tackling various projects and goals. Any challenges that I faced were solved through my own belief in my control and capabilities. Now, I have become entirely independent and have been able to lead others to achieve the same sense of self-efficacy that I have managed to develop.
In terms of leadership, a leader with a strong internal locus of control is more traditional in the sense that they are able to transform a business because they believe they are able to do so. This relates to our textbook description of leadership in that to lead is a means to influence others and to create visions for a change (Northouse, 2016, p. 14). This belief turns into action which then brings results and ultimately change. A person with a strong positive internal locus of control can be more motivated to succeed and will take the effort needed to learn. Whereas, a person with an external locus of control will most likely not put forth the time needed for the same cause. Howell (1993) found that managers with an internal locus of control showed "greater confidence in their ability to influence the environment, are more capable in dealing with stressful situations, place greater reliance on open and supportive means of influence, pursue riskier and more innovative company strategies, and generate higher group and company performance than do externally oriented managers." Thus, the proactive attributes associated with an internal locus of control gives power to an individual in being able to make an effort to make change. On the contrary, those with an external locus of control takes power away from the individual that will make them more reactive instead to experiences.
The locus of control concept can be related to the Path-Goal Theory discussed in class this week. This theory describes the ability of a leader to enhance follower performance and satisfaction by utilizing a particular leadership style in an organizational setting by removing obstacles (Northouse, 2016, p. 115). The leaders in an organization will have to define a goal outlined with a plan while providing support to the followers. Leaders have to utilize various types of leadership behaviors such as directive, supportive, participative, or achievement oriented based on the task and worker characteristics. If a leader does not think that they are able to remove an obstacle then their have an external locus of control mindset and will not put much effort forth to resolve the issue. However, if they keep on searching for a way to overcome an obstacle and are able to maintain an internal locus of control, then they should exhaust every option until a solution is obtained. The active search in resolving an obstacle is a key component in a positive internal locus of control mindset that pushes to resolution.
Photo: Calvin and Hobbes comic book strip depicting a comedic interpretation of the external locus of control (Calvin and Hobbes, 1988).
References
Ahlin, E.M. & Antunes, M.J. (2015). Locus of control orientation: Parents, peers, and place. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 44(9), 1803-1818.
Calvin and Hobbes. (1988, June 7) I've decided to be a fatalist. [Cartoon] Universal Uclick. Retrieved from http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1988/06/07
Campbell, I. (2015, May 15) Failure: Locus of control. [Cartoon] Bitstrips. Retrieved from https://isobelcampbell.wordpress.com/author/isobelcampbell/page/3/
Howell, J.M. (1993). Transformational leadership, transactional leadership, locus of control, and support for innovation: Key predictors of consolidated-business-unit performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 78(6), 891-902.
Joelson, R.B. (2017, August 2). Locus of control: How do we determine our successes and failures?. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moments-matter/201708/locus-control
Mearnes, J. (2017). The social learning theory of Julian B. Rotter. California State University, Fullerton. Retrieved from http://psych.fullerton.edu/jmearns/rotter.htm
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publishing.
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