South African society is characterised by rapid change as a result of various forces. This results in feelings of frustration, helplessness and uncertainty in employees, which affects their work performance. Helplessness, frustration and uncertainty are directly related to an external locus of control, whereas an internal locus of control is related to autonomy, a sense of responsibility and job performance. A two-group design was used to determine the impact of a training programme aimed at the stimulation of an internal locus of control on employees within manufacturing industry. The training programme contributed to increasing the internal locus of control and psychological optimality of participants, whereas their need for external support decreased and they started to act more autonomously.