Measuring internal locus of control and job satisfaction at protea chemicals in Durban, South Africa.

Abstract

Locus of control, education and job satisfaction were the focus of this study. The relationship among these factors determine levels of employee productivity, employee satisfaction and proposes solutions on how to enhance it and help the company gain a corporate advantage over their competitors.This research study attempts to examine multiple aspects of psychological empowerment in the organization based on the locus of control. Data collection was done by using a self-completed survey. The survey was completed by Protea Chemicals Mobeni employees. Hierarchical regression and bias-corrected procedures were utilized to test the hypothesis. The objectives were set to understand the factors that influence locus of control, the impact of education on locus of control and the impact of locus of control on job satisfaction. Concepts of locus of control including the definitions and theories such as Attribution theory, social learning theory and theory of learned helplessness. McClelland’s Theory of Needs, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, Alderfer’s ERG Theory and Herzberg’s two-factor theory of motivation gave rise to the research instrument used in the study to substantiate job satisfaction. This study conducted is a cross-sectional one which highlights the significance of improving psychological empowerment and natural work motivation which refers to behavior that is driven by internal rewards to advance employees work performance. A sample size of 63 employees was asked to provide their views on a Likert-scale questionnaire the results show that there is a relationship between the levels of education and locus of control. It also shows that there is a significant relationship that exists between locus of control and job satisfaction.