Predictive validity of the locus of control test in selection of school administrators

This study examines the hypothesis that life experience may alter the orientation of locus of control. (The literature ascribes to successful managers an internal locus of control, signifying that they perceive success or failure as a consequence of their own actions.) Subjects were 112 Israeli public school principals with limited autonomy, in a centralized system. A total of 39 were ranked by supervisors as highly successful, 43 as moderately successful, and 30 as unsuccessful. Subjects were tested for basic and work-related locus of control traits. Successful principals have a basic orientation toward an internal locus of control. With respect to work, however, they tend more toward an external locus of control than less successful colleagues. The author concludes that the locus of control test should be supplemented by investigation of previous and current experience. Practical implications of the selection of applicants for different types of managerial positions are discussed.