motivational analysis of organizations

A short conceptual-input session on locus of control following the scoring of the
inventory will help the participants to examine their orientations and to set goals for
improving their ability to internalize. Presentation of methods for improving
internalization also would be useful. The importance of an internal orientation in
management and leadership, entrepreneurship, institution building, change agentry, and
so on should be emphasized.
Research has indicated that people with a high internal entrepreneurial outlook are
more likely to become successful entrepreneurs. They are more likely to expend effort,
become actively involved in the work they do, and be persistent. People with a high
external outlook are more likely to leave things to chance. As a result, they may not
expend their best efforts.
In training situations, it may be useful to point out these implications. Participants
who have extreme scores may be requested to share their views and their experiences.
The conceptual framework presented at the beginning of this article may be supplied as
reading material.
The inventory is especially useful in training programs on achievement motivation,
motivational development, or other forms of entrepreneurial behavior. Managers,
planners, change agents, and other organizational members who need to be involved in
some risk taking as part of their job functions would benefit especially from this type of
training. The inventory also is recommended for use with small-business owners,
potential entrepreneurs, and others who are involved or are likely to be involved in
economic activities. The instrument is designed for training purposes and is not
suggested for use in selection.
REFERENCES
DuCette, J., & Wolk, S. (1972). Locus of control and levels of aspiration in black and white children. Review of
Educational Research, 42, 493-504.
Feather, N.T. (1968). Change in confidence following success or failure as a predictor of subsequent performance.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 9, 38-46.
Ferguson, B., & Kennelly, K. (1974). Internal-external locus of control and perception of authority figures.
Psychological Reports, 34, 1119-1123.
Goodstadt, B., & Hjelle, L.A. (1973). Power to the powerless: Locus of control and the use of power. Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 8, 155-156.
Hersch, P.D., & Scheibe, K.E. (1967). Reliability and validity of internal-external control as a personality
dimension. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 31, 609-613.
Lefcourt, H.M. (1966). Internal versus external control of reinforcement: A review. Psychological Bulletin, 65,
206-220.
Lefcourt, H.M. (1976). Locus of control. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Levenson, H. (1973, August). Reliability and validity of the I, P and C scales: A multi-dimensional view of locus of
control. Paper presented at the American Psychological Association convention, Montreal, Canada.
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The Pfeiffer Library Volume 19, 2nd Edition. Copyright © 1998 Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer