Karen Masullo
There are certain attributes of followers or subordinates that are important in determining how the conduct of leaders impact them. One of these is the need for control. According to Northouse (2013 ) in explaining the path-goal theory, the need or desire for control can be termed “internal or external locus of control” (p. 141).
Locus of control is a theory developed by Julian Rotter in the 1960’s. The theory states that individuals use events and occurrences from their lives to acquire beliefs or expectancies to determine if they will be rewarded or satisfied for their acts and behaviors (“Locus of Control”, n.d.). Foran (2012) describes the IE scale developed by Rotter that assesses a person’s awareness of control “along a continuum” (n.p.) that determines whether one has an internal or external locus of control.
The IE scale consists of twenty-three items, and individuals are asked to select the response that best represents the truth to them. An example might be: “Many of the unhappy things in people’s lives are due to bad luck” or “People’s misfortunes result from mistakes they make” (“Locus of Control”, n.d.). The first answer illustrates an external locus of control or belief that other individuals or outside things have control, while the second shows individuals believe that they themselves are responsible by acts and conduct for what happens to them-an internal locus of control (Foran, 2012).
Since externals generally believe that forces outside of themselves are responsible for what happens to them, they are considered to prefer types of behavior that are evasive or passive. Healthwise, externals have more physical issues than internals such as sleeping and eating disorders, and not exercising (“Locus of Control”, n.d.).
Internals, according to Sapolsky (2004), live in a manner that they believe that their efforts are responsible for their success or rewards, also translates into lifelong better health. Solving problems and tackling issues head-on, rather than avoiding them can increase the length and satisfaction of one’s life.
Northouse (2013) ties this to the path-goal theory in explaining that those with an internal locus of control will generally prefer participative types of leadership, because it is inclusive. Internals will have some input into decision making and have some control of their work-something they are used to. Externals will mostly prefer directive types of leadership. They will be told how and when to do their work, reinforcing their belief that they have no control-something they are also used to (p.141).
References
Foran, S. (2012, Aug 7). Theories of Emeritus Professor Julian Rotter Still Relevant to Field of Clinical Psychology. Retrieved from http://today.uconn.edu/blog/2012/08/theories-of-emeritus-professor-Julian-rotter-still-relevant-to field-of-clinical-psychology/
Locus of Control. (n.d.). In International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Retrieved from http://encyclopedia.com/topic/Locus_of_control.aspx
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership Theory and Practice (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Sapolsky, R.M. (2004). Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press.
www.redshoemovement.com (graphic)