EFFECT OF LOCUS OF CONTROL ON JOB SATISFACTION AMONG WORKING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Keywords:
Internal Orientation, Job Satisfaction, Locus of Control, Orientation, University Students, Young AdultsAbstract
This research examined how Locus of Control (LOC) relates to Job Satisfaction in university students who hold jobs while completing their studies. A correlational design was used with a sample of 200 working young adults between 18 and 28 years of age, recruited through convenience sampling at universities. Participants completed Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, the short form of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and a demographic sheet that also captured weekly work hours and screen time. Descriptive results pointed to a mix of internal and external control orientations across the sample. Correlation and regression procedures revealed that an internal orientation is significantly linked with greater job satisfaction, while a stronger external orientation is associated with lower satisfaction, reflecting a perceived lack of control over one's work environment. The study also explored possible gender differences and the broader challenge of adjusting to employment demands while enrolled in school. Overall, the findings suggest that an individual's belief about personal control is an important determinant of satisfaction at work, and that universities and career-support services should prioritize building internal accountability and offering structural support to help young people transition successfully into the workforce.
Downloads
References
Abdel Hadi, S., Kersting, M., Klehe, U. C., Deckenbach, M., & Häusser, J. A. (2023). Relationships between proactive personality, work locus of control, and vocational satisfaction: The role of level of education. Heliyon, 9(2), e13283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13283
Akin, A. (2011). Academic locus of control and self-handicapping. Journal of Educational Sciences & Practices, 10(19), 67–83.
Barbuto, J. E., Jr., & Burbach, M. E. (2006). The emotional intelligence of transformational leaders. Journal of Social Psychology, 146(1), 51–64.
Bowling, N. A., Eschleman, K. J., & Wang, Q. (2010). A meta-analytic examination of the relationship between locus of control and work-related outcomes. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 15(3), 334–344.
Dailey, R. C. (1980). The relationships among locus of control, task characteristics, and career satisfaction for creative professionals. Journal of Occupational Psychology, 53(2), 115–122.
Hanif, A., & Sultan, S. (2011). Type A-B personality and locus of control: A combined factor determining job satisfaction. Business Review, 6(1), 90–96. https://doi.org/10.54784/1990-6587.1195
Jacob, A. (2023). Relationship between job satisfaction and locus of control among private sector employees. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 11(3), 4728–4734.
Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80(1), 1–28.
Simmers, C. A., & McMurray, A. J. (2022). Navigating work career through locus of control and job satisfaction: The mediation role of work values ethic. Merits, 2(4), 258–269. https://doi.org/10.3390/merits2040018
Spector, P. E. (1982). Behavior in organizations as a function of employees' locus of control. Psychological Bulletin, 91(3), 482–497.
Vijayashree, L. (2011). Locus of control and job satisfaction: PSU employees. Social Sciences & Humanity Research Review, 2(2), 193–201.
Weiss, D. J., Dawis, R. V., & England, G. W. (1967). Manual for the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Minnesota Studies in Vocational Rehabilitation, 22.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Iram Shahzadi, Dr. Arooj Zahra Rizvi (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
