Role of managerial traits in firm-level corruption: evidence from Vietnam

Personal traits have a significant effect on contemporary workplace dynamics and employee performance. This study focused on two areas of Kenya's pharmaceutical industry: the relationship between locus of control and employee personality, and how leadership styles affect this relationship. The study used a descriptive research design and comprised 8671 employees from 107 pharmaceutical enterprises in Nairobi County. Fisher's formula yielded a sample size of 384 respondents chosen by stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data, and SPSS version 28 was used for analysis, which included descriptive (means, frequencies, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation, regression). The key findings demonstrated substantial relationships between internal locus of control and specific personality factors. There was a substantial positive association discovered between internal locus of control, agreeableness (r=0.58, p=0.01), and conscientiousness (r=0.61, p=0.000). However, the internal locus of control and extraversion showed no significant correlation (r=-0.28, p=0.22). In contrast, the external locus of control had a mild positive association with agreeableness (r=0.16, p=0.001) and a moderately positive and substantial link with extraversion (r=0.34, p=0.001). A considerable inverse association was found between external locus of control and conscientiousness (r=-0.63, p=0.000). These findings highlight the complicated interaction between locus of control orientations and personality factors among personnel in Kenya's pharmaceutical industry. Further, transformational and democratic leadership styles were found to modulate the link between internal locus of control and agreeableness/conscientiousness. Laissez-faire and transactional leadership styles had no significant effect on the connection between internal locus of control and personality attributes. However, transformational, transactional, and democratic leadership styles had a significant impact on the link between external locus of control and personality qualities such as agreeableness, extraversion, and conscientiousness, whereas laissez-faire leadership style did not. The study revealed that employees' locus of control is important in influencing their personality traits at pharmaceutical companies in Kenya. Both internal and external locus of control are important considerations, with transformational and democratic leadership styles amplifying their positive effects on employee personality. Based on these findings, it was suggested that leaders foster a leadership culture based on transformative and democratic values. Additionally, customised techniques should be devised to reduce the detrimental effect of external locus of control beliefs on employee conscientiousness. Mentorship programmes and organised goal-setting frameworks were recommended as possible techniques for improving employee accountability and organisational abilities

This study discusses the model of local government support to generate entrepreneurial intentions for women who have been laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There are four government support as the intervention variable tested, financial support, assistance in design and production, supply chain coordination, and marketing and sales support. While the research object context is the internal locus and external locus of control, acting as exogenous variables. The survey used a questionnaire designed using a 5-point Likert scale. Questionnaires were distributed to women affected by layoffs who live in Minahasa Utara Regency, Sulawesi Utara Province, Indonesia, a total of 75 questionnaires were answered completely. Data analysis using Smart PLS. The results of data analysis show that, without government support intervention, women with an internal locus of control are more interested in becoming entrepreneurs than those with an external locus of control. Government support has a significant impact in generating entrepreneurial interest in women with internal and external locus of control. Women with an external locus of control are more motivated to become entrepreneurs, especially if they receive financial support, while women with an internal locus of control are more motivated to become entrepreneurs if they are supported in supply chain development. Government support for coordinating supply chains adds to the literature on external factors that have an impact on entrepreneurial intentions. The managerial implication of the findings of this study is the importance of the government's role, especially in financial support for women with external locus of control and supply chain support for women with internal locus of control.

Safety self-efficacy and internal locus of control as mediators of safety motivation – Randomized controlled trial (RCT) study

When examining the relationship of locus of control (LOC) with mental and physical health, internal and external loci of control have typically been defined as a single, bipolar construct, despite prior evidence that the two are orthogonal. Across three cross-sectional studies, we hypothesized that internal and external locus of control would each predict unique variance in well-being. Study 1 examined the association of LOC with psychological well-being, Study 2 examined the association between LOC and physical well-being, and Study 3 examined the association of three types of LOC with psychological, subjective, and physical well-being. Study 3 also employed three types of LOC assessments. In all three studies (n = 1181 for Study 1, n = 577 for Study 2, n = 271 for Study 3), undergraduate participants completed self-report surveys through an online data-collection system. Through a series of regression analyses, the results showed that external LOC was a more consistent predictor of well-being than Internal LOC. More specifically, perceived constraints (a form of external LOC) were the strongest LOC predictor over all other types. This suggests that internal and external LOC should be measured as two separate constructs, and that external LOC is more strongly associated with well-being than internal LOC.

Does managerial personality matter? Evidence from firms in Vietnam

Using novel data from micro, small, and medium firms in Vietnam, we estimate the relationship between behavioural and personality traits of owners/managers—risk attitudes, locus of control, and innovativeness—and firm-level decisions. We extend the analysis beyond standard metrics of firm performance such as revenue and growth to study intermediate investments, including product innovation, worker training, and adoption of workplace safety measures that are potentially conducive to observed firm performance. Our results show that innovativeness and locus of control are positively correlated with revenue while risk aversion predicts lower revenue. Risk aversion is positively correlated with the adoption of safety measures. Innovativeness, as expected, is associated with an increased probability of product innovations. An internal locus of control predicts higher probability of investments, innovations, and worker training. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that innovativeness and risk aversion matter more for firm outcomes in provinces characterized by better business climate. Our results are robust to a variety of checks. We contribute to a nascent and rapidly growing literature on the importance of managerial capital by shedding light on the role of managerial personality characteristics for decision-making in firms in a dynamic transition economy.

Locus of control and investment in risky assets

The increasing rate of comorbid posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms among young adults presents a unique symptom presentation and challenges to treatment. The current study examined psychosocial barriers--external locus of control-- and facilitators-- social support-- in the posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms association. The current cross-sectional study was conducted among 701 Jamaican university participants, ages 18-30 years. Participants completed self-report measures of general demographic information as well as target variables which include the CES-D-10, Sense of control (external and internal locus of control), Short screening scale for DSM-IV posttraumatic stress disorder and social support measures. Majority of the sample was female (76.2%; n=534); and slightly more than half of the sample self-identified as Black/African ancestry (59.7%). External locus of control (LOC) partially mediated the relationship between posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms, external locus of control (LOC) had a greater mediation magnitude than social support in the posttraumatic stress-depressive symptoms association (Indirect Effect=0.133, 95% CI-0.075-0.211). In post-hoc analyses women appeared more highly traumatized than their male counterparts (14.3%, χ2 =8.032, p=0.005). The sub-sample of highly traumatized individuals reported higher levels of depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, external LOC, and lower levels of social support and internal LOC than did individuals with lower levels of trauma. Contrary to previous research, our findings indicate that external LOC partially mediated the relationship between posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms among a Jamaica university sample more so than social support. These findings therefore suggest that psychosocial treatments should consider locus of control focused interventions or skill building for young adults who suffer from posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms.

A country’s economic growth and development are closely linked to entrepreneurship and innovation, which is why entrepreneurs are recognized as one of the key drivers of the economy. Moreover, job creation, employment and innovation of products and services not only affect the na­tional economy but also the global economy. Having that in mind, it is com­prehensible why the ability to understand and predict entrepreneurial in­tention (EI) turned into a central category that is widely researched in the literature. The main goal of this PRISMA-guided systematic literature review is to iden­tify, present and qualitatively analyse relevant papers regarding entrepre­neurial intention, personality traits and especially the internal locus of con­trol. Moreover, other goals are to highlight the importance and influence of personality traits and the internal locus of control on entrepreneurial inten­tions and to present the findings regarding the interrelatedness of entrepre­neurial intention, internal locus of control and personality traits. This article uses a systematic review according to the PRISMA statement guidelines with stringent selection criteria to include relevant articles on the impact of personality traits and internal locus of control on entrepre­neurship (i.e. entrepreneurial intentions). The two largest scientific databas­es, i.e. Scopus and Clarivate Web of Science databases have been explored with the key phrases „PERSONALITY TRAITS“, “INTERNAL LOCUS OF CON­TROL” and “ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION”. This PRISMA method led to a total of 9 relevant papers regarding the impact and influence of personali­ty traits and internal locus of control on entrepreneurship (i.e. entrepreneur­ial intentions). The scientific contribution of this paper is mirrored in the presentation of these relevant articles, their findings and in raising awareness among aca­demic members, researchers and governments across the globe regarding the traits that impact entrepreneurial intentions, with a special focus on the findings regarding the internal locus of control. This article provides practi­cal implications for national governments regarding their entrepreneurial policies, support system and climate.

This quantitative study focuses on online metacognitive reading strategies used by 39 Iranian postgraduate students with internal and external locus of control. The students were selected through locus of control questionnaire and it is followed by OSORS questionnaire to measure online metacognitive strategies used by students. The results of study revealed that online metacognitive reading strategies used mostly by internal locus of control students rather than external locus of control students. There were clear interrelationships among types of metacognitive reading strategies used and internal locus of control characteristics. Among three subcategories of metacognitive strategies, students with internal locus of control are more interested to use global strategies, whereas students with external locus of control tend less to use this strategy. Also, there was no significant difference in using problem-solving and supportive strategies used by the students.

The present study examined whether significant differences exist in achievement motivation between undergraduate students with internal and external locus of control enrolled in two academic streams. The null hypothesis (H₀) proposed no difference in achievement motivation, whereas the alternative hypothesis (H₁) suggested that students with an internal locus of control would demonstrate higher achievement motivation. A purposive sample of 150 students aged 20–23 years was drawn, comprising 75 with internal and 75 with external locus of control. The Internal–External Locus of Control Scale (G. K. Valecha) and the Achievement Motivation Scale (V. P. Bhargava) were administered. Results showed that students with an internal locus of control had a mean score of 19.4 (SD = 2.3), categorized as “Above Average,” while those with an external locus scored 16.6 (SD = 2.8), reflecting an “Average” level. An independent samples t-test yielded t(148) = 2.31, p < 0.05, indicating a statistically significant difference. Hence, H₀ was rejected, supporting H₁: students with internal locus of control exhibit higher achievement motivation compared to those with external locus of control

In this study, the authors assessed gender differences between the relationships of self-efficacy and the internal health locus of control with compliance in hemodialysis patients. Using a self-efficacy scale for health-related behavior and the Japanese version of the Health Locus of Control Scale, the authors studied individuals who had been regularly undergoing hemodialysis for longer than 1 year. Blood urea nitrogen, serum potassium, and interdialytic weight gain were used to measure compliance. In men, self-efficacy and the internal health locus of control were negatively correlated with all compliance measures. In women, all the correlations were positive, except for that between self-efficacy and interdialytic weight gain. The authors constructed regression lines for the significant interactions. On the basis of blood urea nitrogen or serum potassium levels, the authors found that female patients who had higher self-efficacy or internal health locus of control were less compliant. The decrease of interdialytic weight gain accompanying increased self-efficacy was more significant in men than it was in women.

This study aims to validate the Adolescent Internal Environmental Locus of Control (AINELOC) scales (green consumer, activist, advocate and recycling attitude). The AINELOC was used to identify the association between internal locus of control and pro-environmental behaviors in adolescents. The study was conducted because of the lack of data in the literature about the subject matter and developed based on the deficiency of applicability in the original Internal Environmental Locus of Control (INELOC) scale to the adolescent population. This opportunity to adjust the language to make it more accessible for adolescents resulted in the construction of the AINELOC tool to research adolescents' reasoning and innate ability to make interpretations about beliefs and motivations regarding the environment. It was demonstrated that persons with greater levels of internal environmental locus of control have positive mindsets and beliefs that affect their well-being, behavior and attitude toward the environment. Collectively, the literature in this research explored the role of LOC as a driving factor and a strong predictor in shaping an individual's eco-centric thoughts and behavior. The factor structure of the AINELOC was examined and data collected from a sample of adolescents to validate the internal consistency of scales for this novel construct. Correlations between the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLOC) measure with the new AINELOC tool were conducted to provide substantiation for the convergent and discriminant validity of the AINELOC.

There is a need to better understand how psychosocial factors influence regimen adherence behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the ability of internal diabetes locus of control and social support to predict adherence to a weight-control regimen among persons with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). A community-based sample of 465 patients with NIDDM was interviewed. Regression analyses revealed that internal locus of control and social support were modest but statistically significant predictors. Correlation analyses showed that internal locus of control was not related to weight control in the high social support group. In the low social support group, a stronger internal locus of control was not associated with weight management. The ways in which internal locus of control and social support work together were not clear. The findings suggest that these two factors are advantageous for promoting regimen adherence.

Social mobility and subjective well-being revisited: The importance of individual locus of control