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 stems from the perception that others will take on the responsibilities, leading an individual to believe that their personal contribution is less critical to the group's overall success. As a result, some members may feel less motivated to perform at their highest level, relying on the efforts of more diligent team members to carry the workload.

It's crucial to understand that social loafing can negatively impact group dynamics and overall performance because it can create an imbalance in effort and accountability among team members. Encouraging individual accountability and identifying each member's contribution can help mitigate the effects of social loafing in teamwork situations.