B. de Brabander

Locus of control, sensation seeking, and stress

We explored the relations among locus of control, sensation seeking, and stress (N = 68 students). Corroborating evidence was found that subjects with an external locus of control are more vulnerable to stress. Subjects scoring higher on the thrill and adventure seeking-dimension of sensation seeking reported less severe physical and psychological complaints thought to be associated with stress. These results suggest that high sensation seeking is associated with protective mechanisms against life-stress. Some possible intervening mechanisms are further discussed.

LOCUS OF CONTROL, LATENT INHIBITION AND REACTION TIMES IN A SEMANTIC (LEFT-HEMISPHERE) AND VISUOSPATIAL (RIGHT-HEMISPHERE) STIMULUS DISCRIMINATION TASK '

Rank correlations on latent inhibition learning among internal scorers versus external scorers on Rotters I-E locus of control scale were compared between trial numbers and speed of correct reactions in a left- and in a right-hemispheric discrimination task. On the basis of previous research and theorizing reviewed by De Brabander, Boone, and Gerits (1992) we expected latent inhibition effects to show mainly on the left-hemisphere task and more clearly among internal scorers on Rotters I-E locus of control scale. The findings seem to confirm our expectations.

Self-Reported Locus of Control is Based on Feelings of Depression as Well as on Asymmetry in Activation of Cerebral Hemispheres

In a sample of 50 patients with primary breast cancer we obtained interviews, answers to questionnaires, blood samples, and reaction times on two stimulus discrimination tests on the day of admission to the hospital for a biopsy. Locus of control scores on Rotters I-E Locus of Control Scale seemed to be directly associated with an indicator of depressed mood and one of relative activation of the right cerebral hemisphere. Other variables of which one might have expected a mediating role did not show significant partial relationships with the dependent variable.

The genesis of top management team diversity: selective turnover among management teams in the Dutch newspaper publisher industry (1970-1994)

This paper develops and tests a model explaining diversity within top executive management teams from the perspective of selective turnover. We draw on two theoretical perspectives to describe the pull toward team homogenization (low diversity) and the push toward team heterogenization (high diversity). Schneider’s attraction-selection-attrition (ASA) model is used to explain the team’s natural tendency to ‘hire likes and fire unlikes’ (so-called homosocial reproduction), provided it has the power to do so. Rational-economic theory, however, suggests firm-specific countervailing imperatives pulling a team toward heterogeneity in order to cope with the requirements of the environment. We propose that the cycle of homosocial reproduction only gets interrupted when the teams face a compelling need for diversity, particularly when organizational performance is poor, diversification is high and competition is tough, but that the reproduction cycle is maintained if the top executive management team is powerful vis-A -vis the board of directors. We test our hypotheses in a population of top executive teams of the Big Five Dutch publishers over a 25-year period. Interestingly, many of our expectations are not supported. Relating to entry, we find that poor performance and high diversification causes teams to select likes. Moreover, although more powerful teams do tend to select likes, this is even more so when competitive intensity increases. Concerning exit, we find that poor performance increases the overall likelihood of executive exit, and that dissimilar managers tend to leave first. We conclude that homosocial reproduction does occur, particularly when the organizations face conditions that at first glance require more team diversity. Apparently, top management teams tend to close ranks when environmental pressure and complexity increases. Explanations for these findings are discussed, which point the way to new research avenues.

Corroborative evidence for difference in arousability between internal and external scorers on Rotter's I-E Locus of Control Scale.

Here we report data about the answers on the Hopkins Symptom Check List for 68 students who participated in an experiment. About random half of the subjects were submitted to sham physiological measurements, the others nor. Scores on Rotters I-E Locus of Control Scale were also available. Analysis indicated that sham physiological measurement treatment is associated with more health complaints and more among external scorers on the Locus of Control Scale. These findings are interpreted as the result of increased arousal by the treatment and higher arousability among external scorers.