Self-monitoring and locus of control as determinants of social interaction: A preliminary investigation

Researchers on the relationship between self-monitoring and locus of control haveconsistently shown low correlations. In this study social cognitive orientations of highand low self-monitors having either an external or internal locus of control throughanalysis of their social interaction patterns were examined. The low correlation betweenself-monitoring and locus of control was upheld while consistent differences emerged between the 4 groups. High self-monitors who were external maintained awide range of numerous contacts while high and low internals preferred a moderate levelof intimate or task related contacts. Low self-monitoring externals clearly maintained arestricted and unsatisfying range of contacts. The results were interpreted as evidencingmotivational differences important for the understanding of the relationship between the2 constructs.