The Influence of the Locus of Control and Decision-making Capacity upon the Leadership Style☆

Abstract The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of the locus of control and that of the decision-making capacity upon the leadership style (orientation towards tasks versus orientation towards human relations). In order to develop the research, we set up the following objectives: assessment of the leaders’ level in the decision-making process; determination of the locus of control (internal, external or ambivalent); determination of the leadership style (focused on human relations or on tasks). As research methods we used: the T-P Leadership Questionnaire (McDougall), the “locus of control” scale (Rotter), a questionnaire concerning decision-making and critical reasoning skills, and statistical methods. The statistical data gathered during the research revealed the influence of the locus of control and that of the decision capacity upon the leadership style, within organizations. Some psychological differences between men and women with managerial positions are also highlighted. The research results proved the role of personality (decision capacity, critical reasoning, locus of control) in the leadership style, the reciprocal leader- subordinate relationship influencing both the performance at an individual level and organizational performance.