Final answer:
The statement is false; an external locus of control does not lead to better performance in employment. Individuals with an internal locus of control, who believe they are in control of their outcomes through their own efforts, are more likely to perform better in their careers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement People perform better in most employment situations when they have a strong external locus of control is False. An external locus of control is the belief that our outcomes are outside of our control, determined by external forces such as luck, fate, or actions by others. On the contrary, people with an internal locus of control — who believe that they control their own outcomes because of their own efforts — tend to perform better academically and achieve more in their careers. The concept of locus of control, developed by Julian Rotter, is critical in understanding this. Individuals with a high internal locus of control are typically more successful in employment as they are more likely to take responsibility for their actions and improve their performance.
For example, if Jane believes she got a bad grade on her psychology paper because her professor doesn't like her, she most likely has an external locus of control. This belief that external factors are to blame for her grade is indicative of a mindset that does not support improvement or taking initiative to perform better. To be more successful, fostering an internal locus of control is generally more beneficial.