Social Loafing Behavior of Students in the Group Learning Process in Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Islam Bandung

Abstract

Social loafing is influenced by factors like the absence of individual contribution evaluation, unclear responsibility distribution, and intrinsic motivation. Equity theory posits that individuals compare inputs and outcomes with others and respond to eliminate inequity. When one group member engages in social loafing, others may reduce their efforts to avoid being perceived as “suckers.” Conversely, if one member overachieves, others may free-ride on their efforts. This behavior threatens group productivity and should be balanced among members. A survey revealed that many students felt some group members were unproductive, indicating social loafing behavior. The study examined the impact of equity on social loafing behavior, hypothesizing that equity negatively affects social loafing. Linear regression analysis was employed, and data were collected from 106 students. The findings indicate a significant negative relationship between equity and social loafing, supporting the hypothesis. Inadequate equity perceptions can lead to the spread of social loafing, impacting group performance. In conclusion, equity plays a crucial role in mitigating social loafing behavior in group learning processes. Clear rules and guidelines for group assignments can help maintain equity perceptions among students, ultimately fostering a more productive and collaborative learning environment. Keywords: social loafing behavior, students, group work