Locus of Control and the Labor Market

36 Pages Posted: 9 Dec 2014

See all articles by Deborah A. Cobb-Clark

Deborah A. Cobb-Clark

School of Economics, University of Sydney; IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

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

Cobb-Clark, Deborah A., Locus of Control and the Labor Market (November 1, 2014). Melbourne Institute Working Paper 25/14, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2532764 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2532764

Deborah A. Cobb-Clark (Contact Author)

School of Economics, University of Sydney ( email )

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IZA Institute of Labor Economics

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Germany

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