Social Loafing

Social loafing is a phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to when they work alone. This occurs because people may feel less accountable for the group's outcome, believing that others will pick up the slack. As a result, some members might rely on their teammates to do the work, leading to reduced overall productivity. Understanding social loafing is essential in team settings, as it highlights the importance of accountability and engagement to ensure that all members contribute effectively to shared goals.