Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) Practice Exam

Individuals who perceive their success as a result of external factors, such as being in the right place at the right time, are demonstrating an external locus of control. This belief system attributes outcomes and achievements to external circumstances rather than personal efforts or abilities. People with an external locus of control often believe that their life events are largely influenced by forces beyond their control, such as luck or fate.

This contrasts with an internal locus of control, where individuals believe they can influence their outcomes through their actions and decisions. High self-efficacy relates to one's confidence in their abilities to execute tasks and achieve goals, while low self-efficacy indicates a lack of confidence in one's own capabilities. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing how belief systems can influence motivation and behavior in various situations.