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.
External locus of control practical example
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