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4 Rev. Eur. Stud. 124 (2012)
Impact of Locus of Control Expectancy on Level of Well-Being

handle is hein.journals/rveurost4 and id is 388 raw text is: Impact of Locus of Control Expectancy on Level of Well-Being Kurt A. April (Corresponding author) Ashridge Business School, University of Cape Town Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701 Berkhamsted, HP4 1NS Cape Town, South Africa Tel: 27-21-406-1411 E-mail: kurt.april@gsb.uct.ac.za Babar Dharani Ashridge Business School, University of Cape Town Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701 Berkhamsted, HP4 1NS Cape Town, South Africa E-mail: babardharani@gmail.com Kai Peters Ashridge Business School Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1NS, United Kingdom E-mail: kai.peters@ashridge.org.uk Received: March 19, 2012 Accepted: April 23, 2012 Published: June 1, 2012 doi: 10.5539/res.v4n2p124 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/res.v4n2p124 Abstract This paper investigates the impact of locus of control, a psychological social learning theory that is rigorously researched for its implications on leadership qualities, on the level of happiness of an individual. The primary research strategy employed was the survey strategy. Participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire that was designed to test, amongst other variables, their locus of control and level of happiness. The Spearman Rank Correlation hypothesis test was used to test the data for significance and strength of the relationship. As a secondary research approach, self-reflection documents written by research participants, on the topic of locus of control, were used to add personal expression to the discussion of the quantitative results. While academic literature vastly supports the view that leadership qualities are predominantly present in those with an internal locus of control, our research results conclude that a maximum level of happiness is achieved by individuals with a balanced locus of control expectancy - a mix of internal and external locus of control, alternatively known as 'bi-local expectancy'. Keywords: Locus of control, Subjective well-being, Expectancies, Happiness, Leadership, Bi-Local 1. Introduction Locus of Control is a psychological, social learning theory that refers to the extent to which individuals perceive control over their lives, and environment (Lefcourt, 1976). Hiers and Heckel (1977), Anderson and Schneier (1978), and McCullough, Ashbridge and Pegg (1994) all reported that successful leaders are endowed with a high internal locus of control; whereas, less successful ones typically have a low internal locus of control. The link between internality and leadership may be explained by the fact that individuals with an internal locus of control have faith in their ability to achieve self-appointed objectives (Klein & Wasserstein-Warnet, 1999) and in transforming their environment (Andrisani & Nestel, 1976; Klein & Wasserstein-Warnet, 1999). They feel personally responsible for the job's success, and when something backfires, it is attributed to inadequate participation on their part (Klein & Wasserstein-Warnet, 1999). While internality is vastly regarded as a trait of leaders, how does it relate to the level of happiness of a leader? Academic literature provides some indication of the link between well-being and locus of control. An external ISSN1918-7173 E-ISSN1918-7181 www.ccsenet.org/res Review of European Studies Vol. 4, No. 2; June 2012

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