Social loafing is a phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to when they work alone. This behavior often occurs because people feel less accountable for the outcome, believing that their contributions are less noticeable in a larger team. As a result, some members may rely on others to carry the workload, leading to decreased overall productivity.
This concept is often studied in the context of group projects and teamwork. Factors such as group size, individual motivation, and the perceived importance of the task can influence the degree of social loafing. Understanding this behavior can help improve collaboration and efficiency in settings like workplaces and classrooms.