What term describes when an individual puts in less effort when working in a group compared to working individually?

The term that describes when an individual exerts less effort in a group setting compared to when they are working alone is known as social loafing. This phenomenon occurs because individuals may feel less accountable for the outcome of the group’s efforts and, as a result, may not feel the same level of motivation to contribute as they would if they were solely responsible for the task.

In group settings, people might assume that other members will pick up the slack, leading to a diffusion of responsibility. This can result in a decrease in overall productivity, as some members may rely on others to carry the weight of the work, ultimately impacting the group’s performance. Understanding social loafing is crucial in psychology as it highlights how group dynamics can influence individual behaviour and motivation.