Social Loafing
Andrew Brown
Instructor Karen Padrutt, M.A.
Small Group Communication
20 January 2015
Social Loafing and Team Code of Conduct
Social loafing is the phenomenon that occurs when certain individuals exert less effort when working in a group than they do when they’re working on their own. It frequently occurs in groups and can have detrimental effects on the relationship building among the group’s members. When social loafing occurs it basically means it will be much more difficult as well as much more stressful for the group to reach its common goal.
There are multiple factors that contribute to social loafing, and one of the biggest is fair contribution. This happens when a group’s members believe that others are not putting forth as much effort as themselves. They may feel that since others in the group are slacking, they might as well lessen their efforts. Another factor is submaximal goal setting, this happens when a group member may perceive that with a well defined goal and with several people working towards it, they can lessen their efforts. Lack of evaluation can also promote social loafing. It’s important that group members be held accountable for their own work and tasked assigned. It is very important that members of the group receive praise for good work; this promotes a positive vibe within the group and keeps members engaged in achieving the common goal. As they say, you have to keep your eyes on the prize.
Once the group has a clear understanding of what social loafing is and what causes it, you can then begin to combat it. This is how I would personally address and manage social loafing within a group.
1. Establish individual accountability: Input from all group members is a fundamental factor when it comes to team building. Each member should be aware of the group’s common goal, and the expectations set by the group. Individuals must be aware of the consequences of poor work.
2. Group loyalty: Each member must care more about the success of the
Instructor Karen Padrutt, M.A.
Small Group Communication
20 January 2015
Social Loafing and Team Code of Conduct
Social loafing is the phenomenon that occurs when certain individuals exert less effort when working in a group than they do when they’re working on their own. It frequently occurs in groups and can have detrimental effects on the relationship building among the group’s members. When social loafing occurs it basically means it will be much more difficult as well as much more stressful for the group to reach its common goal.
There are multiple factors that contribute to social loafing, and one of the biggest is fair contribution. This happens when a group’s members believe that others are not putting forth as much effort as themselves. They may feel that since others in the group are slacking, they might as well lessen their efforts. Another factor is submaximal goal setting, this happens when a group member may perceive that with a well defined goal and with several people working towards it, they can lessen their efforts. Lack of evaluation can also promote social loafing. It’s important that group members be held accountable for their own work and tasked assigned. It is very important that members of the group receive praise for good work; this promotes a positive vibe within the group and keeps members engaged in achieving the common goal. As they say, you have to keep your eyes on the prize.
Once the group has a clear understanding of what social loafing is and what causes it, you can then begin to combat it. This is how I would personally address and manage social loafing within a group.
1. Establish individual accountability: Input from all group members is a fundamental factor when it comes to team building. Each member should be aware of the group’s common goal, and the expectations set by the group. Individuals must be aware of the consequences of poor work.
2. Group loyalty: Each member must care more about the success of the