Locus of Control and the Labor Market
36 Pages Posted: 9 Dec 2014
There are 2 versions of this paper
Locus of Control and the Labor Market
Locus of Control and the Labor Market
Date Written: November 1, 2014
Abstract
This paper reviews the role of locus of control in the labor market. I begin with a discussion of the conceptual origins of locus of control, including its relationship to related concepts such as self-efficacy, motivation, and self-control. The relationship between locus of control and labor market success is then summarized. In doing so, I pay careful attention to what we know about three potential mechanisms – human capital investments, hiring decisions, and optimal incentive contracts – through which locus of control might operate. Finally, the broader implications of these relationships for public policy and future research are discussed.
Keywords: Locus of control, labor markets, non-cognitive skills, behavioral labor economics
JEL Classification: J01, J08
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation