Dealing with social loafing in the workplace (Proceedings)

What is Social Loafing?

According to the Dictionary of Psychology, social loafing describes the phenomenon that occurs when individuals exert less effort when working as a group or team than when working independently.

Examples of Social Loafing

1. The Ringlemann Effect

2. Many Hands Make Light the Work

Causes of Social Loafing

A) Lack of commitment from entire team

B) Well defined goals

C) Lack of evaluation

D) Lack of appreciation

E) Lack of belonging

F) Forcing projects and assignments on individuals

G) Lack of motivation

Effects of Social Loafing

A) Disappointed team members

B) Less productive team members

C) Loss opportunity for individual talents to surface

D) Employee burn out

E) Negatively reinforces poor participation and/or effort

Preventing Social Loafing

A) Develop rules of conduct

B) Establish individual accountability

C) Encourage group loyalty

D) Select complementary team members

E) Minimize teams

F) Establish ground rules

G) Define the task

H) Highlight accomplishments and achievements

I) Inspect what you Expect