Laboratory Research on Self-Control: Applications to Administration

Abstract

Administrators must sometimes choose between a less delayed but ultimately less valued outcome (impulsiveness) and a more delayed but ultimately more valued outcome (self-control). Which choice is made can affect the long-term health of an administrator's organization. Self-control laboratory research and analysis can be useful in understanding and possibly modifying these choices. This article describes some of the extensive basic laboratory research and analysis concerning self-control and applies this information to specific situations in administration, particularly higher education administration. It discusses the various factors that affect self-control and examines choices between negative, as well as positive, outcomes. Laboratory and nonlaboratory investigations can benefit from attending to information obtained from the other domain.