Introduction
The locus of control is a psychological concept that attempts to define how an individual perceives and interacts with the world around them. Essentially, the locus of control is attributed by the Internal and External scales by Rotter (1966) and ultimately has evolved into the multidimensional Internal, Powerful Others and Chance scales by Levenson (1981). The scores attained within these respective scales then provides information and analysis into human behavioural patterns and in particular can be used as a tool to measure their responsiveness to the notion of leadership.
The nature and the importance of the ‘Locus of Control’ construct
Originally defined under Rotter as a two-dimensional concept which consisted of an internal and external scale, the locus of control validates an individual’s perception of the world around them. In simpler terms, the locus of control exists as Rotter states that events which appear as a reward or reinforcement to behaviour may be differently received by individuals (Rotter 1966). As such, Rotter further argues that these differences in perception occur as an individual’s ‘behaviour is contingent on their own behaviour or personal characteristics’ and view these events and rewards as a ‘function of chance, luck … [or] under the control of powerful others, or is simply unpredictable’ (Rotter 1989, p. 489). This dichotomy of perspectives as reinforced by Chegg.com (2012) gives rise to the idea that internally orientated individuals believe that they are in control and that externals believe that their actions are controlled by forces out of their control. However, as argued by Hersh and Scheibe (1967, p.612), ‘a theoretical and empirical differentiation of externality would be help...
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...n and Witteloostuijn 2003). Hence, my internal locus of control score suggests that although I may not immediately be in a leadership position, I will behave and respond to situations differently to those externally orientated and exhibit qualities expected in a successful leader.
Conclusion
In all, the locus of control remains an effective tool in providing vital information between the significance of human behaviour and the way they perceive the world and events around them. Although regularly measured between Rotter’s I E scale and Levenson’s I P C scale, ultimately the locus of control remains consistent in explaining how individuals take responsibility for their actions. In particular, it is used as a tool to showcase how leadership qualities are affected by perception and reaction and as such allows for an individual to evaluate their future career paths.
The book defines Locus of control a reflection of whether people attribute the causes of events to themselves or to the external environment. Neurotic people tend to hold an external locus of control, meaning that they often believe that the events that occur around them are driven by luck, chance, or fate. Less neurotic people tend to hold an internal locus of control, meaning that they believe that their own behavior dictates events (Colquitt, J. A., LePine, J. A., & Wesson, M. J. 2017).
According to Grossman and Valiga’s Leadership Characteristics and Skills Assessment, the interpretation of scores for perception of what makes a good leader gave me the following results: good perception of a good leader and the scores for perception of your own ability to lead resulted in low perceived leadership ability for myself (Grossman and Valiga, 2013). With these results, I have concluded that I have low confidence in my leadership skills and ability. This would be an area of improvement needing work on my part. Part of being a good leader is being confident in one’s abilities and skills. Who would want to follow a leader who has n...
Leadership is a complex process with many different approaches. This is a summary of the leadership literature including the pros and cons of each approach. The trait approach implies successful leaders are born with those traits. This theory focuses on identifying certain traits that make people great leaders. Some of the major leadership traits identified in the trait approach are intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and social ability. There are many advantages to the trait approach. “First, it is intuitively appealing because it fits clearly into the popular idea that leaders are special people who are out front, leading ...
The leadership is a result of a combination of traits, with special emphasis on the personal qualities of the leader, which he should possess certain personality traits that would be special facilitators in leadership performance. This theory shows that leaders are born as such, there is no likelihood of 'making' them later with personal development techniques.
Lord, R. (2000). Leadership. In A. E. Kazdin (Ed.), Encyclopedia of psychology, vol. 4. (pp. 499-505). Doi:10.1037/10519-216
In many formal and informal settings, we have often heard the word “leadership”. Although this term is found in many textbooks, writings, news clippings, college level courses and papers, leadership is a concept that is consistently evolving. Leadership isn’t an attribute that individuals are born with. Although individuals are born with certain characteristics and traits of a leader, those traits are honed throughout the course of a lifetime.
In my view, people employ certain traits that differentiate us from our neighbor next door, and leadership is no different. The test produced by the University of Kent in the United Kingdom (University of Kent, n.d.) has developed a process that I feel accurately defines what sort of leader you are based on 50 simple questions. I was not surprised by the results and found them to be quite accurate and expected. In this essay, I will explore why I feel the test is an accurate way to determine your leadership style due to my personal experience with
“The extent to which people believe they have power over events in their lives. A person with an internal locus of control believes that he or she can influence events and their outcomes, while someone with an external locus of control blames outside forces for everything,” (Fournier, n.d.). There are two types of people in this world whose results can be effectively measured using Locus of control. Locus of control can be used as measuring tool in people who feel; that they are accountable for their own behaviours. Individuals who score a high internal result on a locus of control test tend to believe that they are in control of their own destiny and everything that happens to them is their own doing. But, individuals with
Leadership serves as a prime example of how an internal or external locus of control can apply. Those who have an external locus of control are susceptible to believing that the right circumstances produce an effective leader. Externally focused people believe, "without the right luck, one cannot be an effective leader. " In addition, people who have an external locus of control rely on other's opinions of their leadership abilities.
What do you find yourself thinking when you get a bad grade on that science test you took? “Man, I should’ve studied more,” “This is the teacher’s fault!” “I just have bad luck.” All of these are prime examples of “locus of control.” Locus of control is a psychological term developed by a man named Julian B. Rotter.
Leadership is complex to define In the past century, more than 10,000 articles have been published about leadership. Through the decades, the complex definition of leadership has intrigued the masses. In the book The Extraordinary Leader, the authors Zenger and Folkman write that there has been no way to define the different constituencies of the leader (Folkman, 2009). According to J.M. Burns, “Leadership is one of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth.” Leadership is a p...
Human beings like to feel in control of themselves and their surroundings. We are said to be creatures of habit and that we do not like change. I don’t know if there is anything worse psychologically than the feeling that I have no control over something in which I have such a big investment. Being at someone else’s mercy is not my specialty, and I am betting it isn’t yours either. One of the biggest mistakes we can make during this initial period of feeling helpless is to make attempts to gain control over the situation again. The more we reach out the weaker we appear and the less desirable we become. Women in particular are turned off by this lack of self confidence in a man, and a groveling man is about as bad as it gets, so don’t
In addition, (Amandi et al, 2004) makes us understand issues related to leadership decision and also gives a clear overview on leadership theories.
For many, when asked to define control, descriptors like “some one in charge” or “someone who makes the rules,” are used to summarize the term. Oxford ( ), defines control as the power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events. The definition provided successfully summarizes what is commonly seen as control, however control entails much more than a short definition and descriptors. Control is embedded within complex multi layered, interlocking systems, which increase in complexity as more individuals, agencies, and variables are involved. Skinner (1953, p. 313) describes personal control as a social episode in which an individual generates important variables affecting the behavior of another.
There are many factors that are positive in her life that she perceives as she grows older. Her internal locus of control has allowed her the ability to have her health. Being in good health has allowed her to see her son grow to be a great father and have joy and happiness when she gets to see her grandchildren. Being that her son, wife, and grandchildren live in California, the Saturday morning phone calls are what brightens her day. She also is healthy so that it’s easier to allow us as her family allowed her to travel alone to California.