What is the difference between internal and external locus of control?

Answer 1

'Locus' simply means 'place'.

Internal locus = control is vested in the operation itself; it calls its own shots.

External locus = The home office (or division/unit management), not a part of the operation, has final say-so and control.

Answer 2

If you pick up a cigarette and it looks so good you light up, and you're trying to quit, the cigarette is the external locus. If you put it down and do some pushups, then you are the internal locus.