The psychological construct of locus of control originated in Rotter’s theory of social learning (1954). He explains locus of control as “internal versus external control of reinforcements”. When an individual’s perception is that his own

In this chapter the concept ‘locus of control’, and, in particular, its relationship to behaviour in the organisational set-up, will be discussed. Aspects of the concept locus of control, that will be addressed are, inter alia, a clear definition of the concept, the nature of locus of control among certain geographical groups, the relationship between locus of control and other organisational variables such as motivation, performance and job satisfaction, as well as the measurement of locus of control. Furthermore, the effect of locus of control on preferences in terms of leadership behaviour will also be discussed. Within a new organisational paradigm, based on transformational leadership principles, participative management, empowerment of workers to the lowest level and increased focus on group achievement, as opposed to individual achievement, a detailed knowledge of the impact of locus of control on both leadership and follower behaviour becomes essential and will therefore be discussed.