What is social loafing?

Social loafing refers to the phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to when they work alone. This behavior often arises because individuals feel less accountable for the overall outcome when they are part of a larger group, leading them to rely on others to carry the workload. As a result, each person's contributions tend to diminish as they perceive their own efforts as less critical to the group's success.

This concept is grounded in research that shows how the presence of others can sometimes provide a distraction or create a sense of diffusion of responsibility. Individuals may believe that their input will not significantly affect the group's performance, promoting a reduction in individual effort. Understanding social loafing helps in designing group tasks and motivating team members to maintain accountability and engagement, thereby improving overall productivity.