External locus of control practical example
An external locus of control refers to the belief that external forces, such as fate, luck, or other people, have control over one's life and outcomes. A practical example of an external locus of control is someone who believes that their success at work is solely dependent on the decisions and actions of their boss.
For example, let's say a person named John works hard and consistently meets his targets at work, but he believes that his boss's favoritism towards other employees prevents him from getting promoted or receiving the recognition he deserves. John feels that regardless of his efforts, his boss's biases control his career progression.
As a result of this external locus of control, John may become demotivated, lose confidence in his abilities, or even stop putting in extra effort at work because he believes it won't make a difference. He may attribute any failures or setbacks solely to external factors, without considering any personal factors that could have contributed.
This example illustrates how an external locus of control can influence an individual's mindset and actions, leading to a lack of personal agency and a reduced sense of control over their own life outcomes.
The external locus of control refers to the belief that events and outcomes are mostly influenced by external factors rather than personal abilities or efforts. Here's a practical example to illustrate this concept:
Let's say you have an important job interview coming up. If you have an external locus of control, you might believe that the outcome of the interview is mostly determined by external factors such as luck, the mood of the interviewer, or the number of other qualified candidates. You may feel that no matter how well you prepare or perform during the interview, the final decision is out of your control.
In this case, you might attribute any outcome, positive or negative, to external factors rather than your own abilities or efforts. For instance, if you perform well and land the job, you may think it's because the interviewer was in a good mood or that luck was on your side. On the other hand, if you don't get the job, you may blame it on factors beyond your control, such as tough competition or a biased interviewer.
Overall, individuals with an external locus of control tend to believe that external forces have a significant influence on their lives, and they feel less empowered to shape their own destiny.