Social Loafing

Social loafing, also known as the Ringleman effect, is the tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group compared to working alone. This effect worsens as the group size increases. The underlying reason is that individuals feel their contribution is less significant in a group, leading to decreased motivation. Social loafing is related to other group performance issues like the free rider effect, where individuals rely on others to do their share, and the sucker effect, where individuals do less work due to the presence of free riders.

What is the Ringleman effect primarily about?

• Individuals being more creative in groups

• Individuals exerting less effort in groups

• Individuals working harder in groups

• Groups achieving more than individuals

Why do individuals tend to exert less effort in a group setting?

• They believe their contribution is less impactful

• They want to impress others

• They feel their effort is more significant

• They are more motivated

How does the size of a group affect individual effort according to the Ringleman effect?

• Effort is highest in medium-sized groups

• Effort decreases as group size increases

• Effort remains constant regardless of size

• Effort increases with group size

What is the free rider effect?

• A tendency to work harder in groups

• A tendency to let others do your work in a group

• A tendency to lead the group

• A tendency to leave the group

What is the sucker effect?

• Leaving the group due to frustration

• Doing less work because of perceived free riders

• Doing more work because others are not contributing

• Taking on leadership roles in a group