Relationship between social loafing and the self-concept

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between social loafing behaviour, self-concept and perceived organisational politics (POP). The impact of POP and self-concept upon social loafing behaviour has been the fundamental focus of the paper.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from four companies (n = 262) that combined the responses of subordinates and supervisors. The consequent impact of self-concept factors and POP on social loafing behaviour was analysed through correlations; multiple regressions and mediation were tested using Barren–Kenny and Hayes Bootstrap methods.FindingsA positively significant connection among self-concept, social loafing and POP has been found in this study. The findings show that POP significantly mediates the relationship between social loafing and self-concept.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides evidence of the positive relationship among POP, social loafing behaviour and self-concept. Such knowledge derived may facilitate the scientific task allocation process, feedback system, team orientation, individual differences and job choice aspects, and thus help in the essential understanding of withdrawal work behaviour and perceived organisational support variables.Practical implicationsProductivity and employee satisfaction are major concerns for all organisations. This research paper provides insight to the organisations and supervisors about individual loafing attitude, self-concept and organisational politics and suggests to overcome their impact and improvement in productivity and employee satisfaction.Originality/valueThis is a pioneer paper in the sense that previously there has been no attempt to determine the relationship between POP and social loafing behaviour. Past research has mostly been conducted in the laboratory settings or classroom contexts. The longitudinal data used in this study remove prior research drawbacks and enlighten the unexplored relationships.