How does social loafing impact group performance?

Social loafing reduces individual effort and negatively impacts group performance.

Social loafing occurs when individuals exert less effort in a group task than they would if they were working alone. This can happen because individuals feel their contribution is less significant in a group or because they believe others will compensate for their lack of effort. Social loafing can lead to reduced group performance as the overall effort put into the task is lower than if each individual was working at their maximum capacity.

Research has shown that social loafing is more likely to occur in larger groups and when individuals feel less accountable for their actions. This is because individuals feel less responsible for the outcome of the task and their individual contribution is less noticeable in a larger group. Social loafing can also be exacerbated when individuals do not feel connected to the group or do not believe in the importance of the task.

To combat social loafing, it is important for group members to feel a sense of responsibility and accountability for the outcome of the task. This can be achieved through clear communication and expectations, individual accountability, and a sense of group cohesion. Encouraging individual contributions and recognising the importance of each member's effort can also help to reduce social loafing and improve group performance.