High internal locus of control exhibits more political behaviour in an organisation. Discuss.

Defining Key Concepts

Locus of Control: This refers to the degree to which people believe they have control over the events influencing their lives. Individuals with an internal locus of control believe they are responsible for their own fate, while those with an external locus of control attribute outcomes to external forces like luck or fate.

Organizational Political Behaviour: This encompasses actions by individuals or groups that are directed toward the acquisition or use of power and other resources to achieve preferred outcomes. These behaviours can range from legitimate coalition building to more manipulative tactics like spreading rumours or forming alliances.

The Link Between Internal Locus of Control and Political Behaviour

Individuals with a high internal locus of control are more proactive and assertive. They believe their efforts will yield results, making them more inclined to engage in behaviours designed to influence organizational decisions. This manifests in several ways:

• Active Information Seeking: They actively seek information about power structures and decision-making processes.
• Networking and Coalition Building: They proactively build relationships with key stakeholders to gain support for their ideas.
• Impression Management: They are more likely to engage in impression management techniques to present themselves favorably to those in positions of power.
• Conflict Resolution: They are more likely to directly address conflicts and negotiate solutions, believing they can influence the outcome.

Why This Relationship Exists

The connection stems from a fundamental belief in agency. If someone believes they can control their environment, they are more likely to take actions to shape it. This contrasts with individuals with an external locus of control, who may feel powerless and passively accept organizational outcomes. Research in organizational psychology supports this, suggesting a positive correlation between internal locus of control and proactive personality traits, which are often associated with political skill.

Examples and Case Studies

Consider a scenario where a company is undergoing restructuring. An employee with a high internal locus of control might actively lobby management to secure a desirable position within the new structure, presenting their skills and contributions persuasively. Conversely, an employee with an external locus of control might passively wait to be assigned a role, feeling their efforts wouldn't make a difference.

Example: Steve Jobs at Apple is often cited as an example of a leader with a strong internal locus of control. His relentless pursuit of innovation and his ability to influence others were key to Apple’s success. He believed he could shape the future of technology, and he acted accordingly.

Potential Downsides and Moderating Factors

While a high internal locus of control can drive positive political behaviour, it can also lead to manipulative or unethical tactics if unchecked. Excessive self-belief can result in overconfidence and a disregard for the perspectives of others. Furthermore, the relationship is moderated by factors such as:

• Organizational Culture: A culture that rewards political savvy will reinforce this behaviour.
• Individual Values: Ethical individuals will use political skills responsibly, while those with lower ethical standards may engage in more questionable tactics.
• Power Dynamics: The effectiveness of political behaviour depends on the individual’s position within the organizational hierarchy.