The concept of internal-external locus of control is defined by various researchers in terms of causal attribution, and this may have resulted in some conceptual confusion. The present article deals with a theoretical clarification by proposing that the Rotter's concept of locus of control does not mean a process of causal attribution to internal or external determinants but refers to control of reinforcement through a perceived behavioral outcome contingency. This position is thought to respect the interpretation offered by several authors. The implications of this confusion are discussed along with a proposed definition of locus of control.
This study compared, in the area of job satisfaction, scores on Rotter's I-E scale and on a new internal-external locus of control scale designed specifically for the work context. The correlation of .39 with the Job Descriptive Index arrived at by using the specific scale is significantly higher than the correlation of —.16 obtained with the Rotter scale. Data suggest this new scale could be useful.
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