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- Điều hướng trang này:
- Null hypothesis (H0)
- Theoretical hypothesis (H1)
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E. Boshoff & E.S. van Zyl Koers 76(2) 2011:283-303
293 4. Differences between individuals with an internal locus of control and individuals with an external locus of control According to Robbins et al. (2003:123) and Hume et al. (2006:50, 56), individuals with an external locus of control are less likely to accept responsibility for the consequences of their behaviour. Fur- thermore, such individuals are more inclined to rely upon external influences in the course of making decisions and in general be- haviour. According to Robbins (2001:96) individuals with external lo- cus of control experience less job satisfaction, higher absenteeism, and are less involved in their occupational duties. Edwards (2005: 578) states that external-locus individuals are less self-directed and tend to drift along in life, often feeling frustrated, and prone to blam- ing others for mishaps. External-locus individuals also tend to expe- rience more stress than internal-locus individuals (Norton, 2005: 634).
Individuals in possession of an internal locus of control, however, rely upon internal standards to differentiate between right and wrong (Robbins et al., 2003:123; Hume et al., 2006:50-51). Individuals with an internal locus of control associate the outcomes of the organisa- tion with their own actions. Such individuals take personal responsi- bility for unfavourable conditions in the organisation (Robbins et al., 2003:123; Hume et al., 2006:50-51). Jones and George (2003:79) add that individuals with an internal locus of control attempt to intervene in order to change a situation or solve a problem, and are thus directly involved in problem-solving. Furthermore, individuals with an internal locus of control have good coping skills and tend to resist peer pressure to conform. Individuals with an internal locus of control also tend to experience less stress and respond to difficulties in a positive way (Norton, 2005:578, 634). Contradictory findings are reported regarding the relationship be- tween locus of control and the individual’s religious beliefs. Various authors, such as Spilka et al. (1985:8) and Flugel (Rasmussen & Charman, 1995:109-110) indicate that there is a positive relationship between external locus of control and the individual’s degree of religiosity, as said individuals obtain direction and guidance from God (which they regard as an “instrument” or “external” form of control). Other authors, such as Wong-McDonald and Gorsuch (2004:321) distinguish a further dimension, namely God control, which encompasses both internal and external locus of control. It follows that God is viewed as the external Creator of everything, but
The relationship between locus of control & ethical behaviour … in the financial sector 294
also the internal Presence which is established in each who believe. In contrast, Jackson and Coursey (1988:399) found a positive rela- tionship between internal locus of control and God control. Should focus be placed on the definition of the construct internal locus of control, as well as the characteristics associated with individuals who possess an internal locus of control, the authors concur with the findings of Jackson and Coursey (1988:399). Though God may be viewed as an external influence, the choice to be influenced by Him fundamentally makes for internal control. God gives man the choice (internal control) of whether or not to invest belief in Him and the choice (internal control) of whether or not to act according to his guidelines. This compliments the positive relation- ship found in this study between internal locus of control and ethical behaviour, as well as the findings of Kennedy and Lawton (1998: 163), who found that individuals who are more inclined towards religiousness are less inclined towards unethical behaviour. Apart from the above-mentioned differences between individuals with an internal and external locus of control, Hume et al. (2006:56) indicate that locus of control has a significant influence on ethical behaviour. According to Stead et al. (1994:59) individual characteris- tics, such as locus of control, shape ethics and decisions. Chonko et
such as locus of control could provide insight on ethical reasoning. Trevino and Youngblood (1990:378-379) and Trevino et al. (2006: 965) indicate that the connection between behaviour and the conse- quences thereof are more likely to be noted by individuals with an internal locus of control. As a result, responsibility is more readily assumed by such individuals. 5. Methodology 5.1 Formulation of the research hypothesis The following hypotheses were investigated in this study: • Null hypothesis (H0): There is no statistically significant relation- ship between scores achieved on locus of control and scores achieved on ethical behaviour among employees in the financial sector in the Free State. • Theoretical hypothesis (H1): There is a statistically significant relationship between scores achieved on locus of control and |