What is the social loafing phenomenon?

Social loafing refers to the phenomenon where individuals put in less effort when working as part of a group compared to when they work alone. This reduction in effort can occur for several reasons, including the diffusion of responsibility, where individuals feel that their contributions are less critical in a group setting, leading to a belief that others will pick up the slack. Additionally, individuals may feel less accountable for their performance in a group, which can diminish their motivation to contribute fully.

In contrast, when working alone, individuals typically feel more direct accountability and are inclined to put forth their best effort, as they cannot rely on others to share the duties or responsibilities. This concept is crucial in understanding group dynamics and the factors that influence individual motivation in collaborative settings.