What factors contribute to social loafing?

Social loafing occurs when individuals exert less effort in a group setting than they would if they were working alone. This phenomenon can be attributed to several key factors. Reduced accountability plays a significant role because in a group, individuals may feel that their individual contributions are less likely to be recognized or that their effort will not significantly impact the group's overall performance. This perception often leads to a lack of motivation, as members might assume that others will compensate for their reduced effort.

Furthermore, the belief that some group members will "pick up the slack" fosters an environment where individuals feel less compelled to contribute fully, thus decreasing their motivation to participate actively. These dynamics can contribute to decreased productivity and engagement within teams, making option B the correct choice when identifying the factors that lead to social loafing.