You probably haven’t heard of Max Ringelmann and his observations on ‘puling a rope’. Yet, it has an important meaning in group dynamics.
Social loafing is a phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to working alone. This behavior often stems from the perception that one’s contributions are less noticeable or less critical in a collective setting. Root causes include diffusion of responsibility, lack of individual accountability, and the belief that others will pick up the slack.
To overcome social loafing, fostering a culture of accountability is essential. Clearly defining individual roles and responsibilities ensures everyone knows their specific contributions are vital. Regular check-ins and progress updates can help maintain visibility and engagement. Setting measurable goals for both the group and individual members can also mitigate social loafing by highlighting each person’s impact on the overall success.
Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringelmann_effect
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_loafing
Albrecht Günther 