Locus of Control
Locus of control has been applied to learning theory, leadership and organisational behaviour and entrepreneurship. Implementation steps for improving positive work behaviours and performance are presented alongside business evidence and success factors.
Technique Overview
Locus of Control Definition
“Internal versus external control refers to the degree to which individuals expect that the outcome of their behaviour is contingent on their own actions or characteristics, versus the extent to which they believe outcomes are due to chance, luck, fate, or powerful others” (Rotter, 1966). Recent research supports this distinction: a study of Chinese university students found that internal health control was linked to lower anxiety and depression, while external views increased risk (Zheng et al., 2025).
Locus of Control Description *
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Business Evidence
Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Locus of Control *
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Business Application
Implementation, success factors and measures of Locus of Control *
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Professional Tools
Locus of Control videos and downloads *
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Further Reading
Locus of Control web and print resources *
Locus of Control references (4 of up to 20) *
- Bloom, N., Han, R. and Liang, J. (2024) ‘Hybrid working from home improves retention without damaging performance’, Nature, 630, pp. 920–925. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07500-2.
- Botha, F. and Dahmann, S.C. (2024) ‘Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomes’, SSM – Population Health, 25, 101566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101566.
- Caliendo, M., Cobb-Clark, D.A., Obst, C., Seitz, H. and Uhlendorff, A. (2022) ‘Locus of control and investment in training’, Journal of Human Resources, 57(4), pp. 1311–1349. https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.57.4.0318-9377R2.
- Chithra, R. and Pillai, R., 2024. Locus of control and turnover intentions among IT professionals: The mediating role of job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Journal of Organizational Psychology, 24(1), pp.45–59.
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