Validation of locus of control scale in Chinese organizations

Abstract The aim of this research was to revise Rotter’s (1966) internal–external locus of control (LOC) scale, and especially to examine the feasibility of its use in Chinese organizations. The present study had 306 full-time employees and results showed that our Chinese revision of Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale retained a single-factor structure. The scale had acceptable reliability, good criterion-related validity, and empirical validity. The psychometric properties of the revised scale supported its feasibility as a research instrument to measure LOC appropriately in Chinese employee population. The results also showed that Chinese employees today reported relatively more internal locus of control, which reflects a deviation from previous research. Implications for research on locus of control in China are discussed.

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