Locus of Control and the Labor Market

38 Pages Posted: 6 Dec 2014 Last revised: 16 Apr 2023

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

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, behavioral economics, labor market

JEL Classification: J01, J08

Suggested Citation

Cobb-Clark, Deborah A., Locus of Control and the Labor Market. IZA Discussion Paper No. 8678, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2534706 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2534706

Deborah A. Cobb-Clark (Contact Author)

School of Economics, University of Sydney ( email )

606 Social Sciences Bldg. (A02)
The University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW 2006
Australia
61435061387 (Phone)

IZA Institute of Labor Economics

P.O. Box 7240
Bonn, D-53072
Germany

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
55
Abstract Views
560
Rank
269,996
PlumX Metrics