What is social loafing?

Social loafing is defined as the tendency of individuals to exert less effort when working in a group compared to when they work alone. This phenomenon occurs in situations where individual contributions are not easily identifiable, leading people to feel less accountable for the overall outcome. As a result, some group members may rely on others to carry the workload, reducing their own efforts.

This concept is rooted in social psychology and highlights the challenges associated with group dynamics, including decreased motivation and responsibility in collaborative settings. Understanding social loafing is important for team leaders and organizations, as strategies can be developed to encourage individual accountability and enhance group productivity.

In contrast, the other choices describe different aspects of group behavior. For instance, the idea of individuals working harder in a group would be considered the opposite of social loafing, showcasing the potential for increased motivation, which is not typically associated with social loafing. Making optimal decisions and cooperating effectively in small teams also reflect positive interactions that are not related to the less productive behavior described by social loafing.