Resistance to social influence

• People with a high internal LOC are more able to resist pressures to conform or obey. If a person takes personal responsibility for their actions and experiences (as internals do), they tend to base their decisions on their own beliefs rather than depending on the opinions of others. Another explanation is that people with a high internal LOC tend to be more self- confident, more achievement-oriented and have higher intelligence.
• These traits lead to greater resistance to social influence. These are also characteristics of leaders, who have much less need for social approval than followers.