Shared mental models, role ambiguity, team identification and social loafing in elite sports groups: A mediation analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test a multiple mediation model linking athletes’ shared mental models (SMMs) to social loafing through role clarity and team identity. The following hypothesis was tested: An SMM is directly and negatively associated with social loafing; athletes’ perceived SMMs are positively related to role clarity and team identification, which in turn is negatively related to social loafing. In total, 152 male professional senior players from all 10 teams in an elite ice hockey league participated. Data were analysed using a linear regression procedure and bias-corrected bootstrapping technique to measure indirect effects. The results confirm the hypothesis and demonstrate that SMMs have an indirect effect through the mediators. Coaches and sport psychologists should be aware of the significance of SMMs in their work to enhance team performance. Facilitating SMMs may reduce social loafing through role clarity and team identification.