Self-Monitoring, Locus of Control, and Social Encounters of Chinese and New Zealand Students

Abstract

Characteristics of daily encounters were studied as a function of self-monitoring and locus of control in Chinese and European students. Complementary predictions based on both the individualistic versus collectivistic cultural distinction and self-monitoring theory were supported by the results. The Chinese sample showed higher self-monitoring scores, were more external in their locus of control, made fewer daily contacts that were more task oriented, and involved higher levels of self-disclosure than New Zealand students. Differences in daily encounters were also shown for the interaction between high and low self-monitoring internals (those with an internal locus of control) and externals (those with an external locus of control) that were independent of culture. The implication and qualification of the results were discussed in terms of differences in cultural meaning and value in self-presentation.

Locus of Control and Peer Relationships Among Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and African American Adolescents

“…For example, it has been suggested that cultures that emphasize autonomy and freedom promote values in individuals that are congruent with an internal locus of control orientation (Hamid 1994;McLaughlin and Saccuzzo 1997;Morris and Peng 1994). Minority groups in the US, in contrast, have been found in some studies to hold a more external locus of control, which is consistent with their collectivistic views (McCabe et al 2008;Norenzayan, and Lee 2010;Threlfall et al 2013).…”

The Impact of Normative Influence and Locus of Control on Ethical Judgments and Intentions: a Cross-Cultural Comparison

“…Also, the connection between internality/externality has been related to national culture (Hamid, 1984;Hui, 1982), often relating locus externality to the Individualism/Collectivism dimension of Hofstede's well-known Theory of Culture (1979,1980). The consistent trend within this research suggests clearly that individuals from collectivistic societies (such as Taiwan) are more externally oriented.…”

Do national levels of individualism and internal locus of control relate to well‐being: an ecological level international study

“…Furthermore, studies have shown that collectivist Asians (e.g., Chinese and Japanese) are more external in their general locus of control (LOC) than individualistic Americans and other western nations (Hamid, 1994;Hui, 1982). Nations in eastern Europe that were formally under control of the Soviet Union are also collectivistic.…”