Social Loafing Research Articles

Employees’ Intention to Comply with Information Security Policies: The Impacts of Loafing and Commitment

Drawing upon the attitude theory, this study theorizes that commitment affects loafing behaviors and ISP compliance. Further, drawing upon the transfer theory, this study adopts the concepts of loafing and commitment transfer in order to explore whether social loafing will enhance employee cyberloafing and whether organizational commitment can enhance ISP commitment, both of which, in turn, influence ISP compliance intention. This study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data collected in July 2023 from 361 Taiwanese individuals affiliated with organizations or companies. The results show that social loafing has a strong positive effect on cyberloafing, which, in turn, has a strong negative effect on ISP compliance intention. Organizational commitment has a strong positive effect on ISP commitment, which, in turn, has a strong positive effect on ISP compliance intention. In addition, distortion of consequences moderates the relationship between social loafing and cyberloafing. Advantageous comparison moderates the relationship between cyberloafing and ISP compliance intention.

Developing a multidimensional scale for presenteeism: A study on measurement and implications

Presenteeism is among the key factors that negatively affect employee efficiency and, therefore, company organi zational performance. The existing measurement tools for assessing presenteeism highlight health-related issues as the main reason behind this counterproductive behaviour. On the other hand, other factors that influence modern business life and pro cesses are omitted. The paper’s primary purpose is to develop a comprehensive measurement tool suitable for the individual and organizational multi-factor structure of presenteeism that accurately reflects the complex nature of today’s business world. Meth odologically, the research is shaped within the framework of grounded theory. In the study, mixed methods research combining qualitative and quantitative methods was utilized. In this context, firstly, the authors conducted a literature review and focus group interviews with experts in the field in order to reveal the conceptual structure. We analysed the data using content analysis and then moved on to writing 18 scale items. We performed exploratory factor analysis using the SPSS program and confirmatory factor analysis using the AMOS program. As a result, we develop a four-dimensional scale for presenteeism covering work focus, stress management, social loafing, and performance. The verified multidimensional scale fills a vacuum in the literature by offer ing a comprehensive and dependable instrument to gauge presenteeism on organizational and individual dimensions. Among the possible avenues for further research are testing the scale in different cultural contexts and addressing the organizational causes of presenteeism.

Social Loafing in Discrepant Visibility Contexts: The Role of Perceived Aggressive and Sociable Dominance

Social Loafing in Discrepant Visibility Contexts: The Role of Perceived Aggressive and Sociable Dominance

Effects of blinded and nonblinded sequential human redundancy on inspection effort and inspection outcome in low prevalence visual search

Human redundancy is often used in safety–critical domains to help protect against errors. For example, mammograms are read by two radiologists, or the dose of a drug is calculated by two physicians who perform the task redundantly one after the other. However, the expected reliability gain may be compromised by social loafing (SL), i.e., a reduction of individual effort caused by the team setting. In two laboratory studies, we therefore investigated whether different forms of human redundancy cause SL and impact task outcome. In each experiment, about 20 participants inspected images alone for rare targets, while 40 participants worked in teams of two, either performing the first or second inspection. We measured effort using inspection time and inspection area, and measured task outcome using the number of detected targets and false alarms. While there was no transfer of target marks in experiment 1 (blinded redundancy), the second inspectors in experiment 2 saw marks set during the first inspection (nonblinded redundancy). In experiment 1, data revealed no indications of SL but increased time, area covered, detections and false alarms for team-based relative to solo performance. In experiment 2, teams clearly adapted their inspection intensity. The second inspectors searched the images significantly shorter than the first inspectors. While detected targets did not differ between the two redundant groups, the second inspectors were found to produce significantly fewer false alarms than the first inspectors. However, the advantage of detected targets and area coverage still favored the teams. Thus, the principle of redundancy was effective in both forms of sequential redundancy, even if it led to different behaviors and perceptions at the individual level.

Social Loafing: Understanding, Mitigating, and Enhancing Group Performance

Social Loafing: Understanding, Mitigating, and Enhancing Group Performance

Integrating group awareness into team‐based learning

AbstractBackgroundTeam‐based learning (TBL) is a widely recognised pedagogical strategy used in diverse fields and courses. Despite the success of TBL, certain concerns have arisen regarding social loafing within group collaboration contexts; this loafing can reduce the overall effectiveness of learning.ObjectivesThis study addressed the aforementioned concerns by integrating group awareness (GA) information into each stage of TBL, resulting in a TBL + GA system designed to enhance TBL instruction. During online collaborative learning, GA information provides insights into the activities completed by peers and thus the peers' preparedness and achievement; this knowledge fosters motivation, participation, and reflection.MethodsA quasiexperiment was performed with students from two freshman classes (40 and 41 students, respectively) in a Taiwanese university; the control and experimental classes used the TBL only and TBL + GA systems, respectively. Student learning effort was evaluated in terms of preclass preparation, including the use of learning materials and online test scores. Learning achievement was evaluated by assessing the quality of students' assignments. Student feedback, including peer evaluations and students' perceptions of their TBL experience, was collected and compared for the two classes.Results and ConclusionsThe TBL + GA system significantly enhanced the preclass preparation efforts of the participants, mitigating social loafing. This improvement manifested as higher practice engagement and better online assessment scores. The TBL + GA system also improved assignment quality and elicited more constructive and positive peer feedback.ImplicationsIntegrating GA information into each stage of TBL may positively affect the effectiveness of instruction. The proposed TBL + GA system can serve as a practical model for instructors seeking to enhance TBL implementation and foster a more engaging and constructive learning environment.

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

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

Effectiveness Problem-Solving Techniques Through Group Guidance Services to Reduce Social Loafing

This research aims to determine the effectiveness of group guidance services through problem-solving techniques to reduce students' social loafing. The research method used is quantitative, with a pre-experiment design of one group pretest-posttest. The primary and secondary data used in this research are primary and secondary. Secondary data was obtained from documentation, while primary data was obtained through a questionnaire with a Likert scale. The population of this study was 63 students at MTs Islamiyah Hessa Air Genting. Sample as many as eight people who had social loafing behavior. Samples were taken using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through a questionnaire with a Likert scale. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test with the SPSS For Windows Versions 22.0 statistics program. The results show that the significant value of Asymp. Sig(2-tailed) < 0.05, namely 0.012. This means that group guidance services through problem-solving techniques effectively reduce social loafing in students.

Addressing Challenges in Enhancing Team Collaboration and Evaluating Interdisciplinary Projects

The aim of this paper is to clarify the extent to which collaborative project work needs to be promoted to develop key competences, notably autonomous learning, and effective collaboration, essential in the context of our rapidly evolving world. The impact of different assessment methods on the final outcomes of Project Based Learning (PBL) is examined in its interdisciplinary perspective. The samples encompassed 180 American College of Sofia (ACS) students divided into two cohorts: a control group of 60 and an experimental one of 120. Of particular interest is to examine whether the use of alternative assessment techniques is applicable to an interdisciplinary project and how effective they are in incentivizing teamwork. Recommendations aimed at reducing instances of social loafing and increasing student activity in collaborative project work are also discussed. The assessment tools used to measure the course objectives comprise purpose-designed checklists tailored to the specifics course needs. The research methodology is based on extensive observations of project-related activities, including periodic evaluations, questionnaires on the achievement of intermediate objectives, peer evaluations and teachers’ feedback, culminating in a final project report. In addition, a comparative analysis of the students’ academic performance is made, focusing only on the area of mathematics in the context of a multidisciplinary project. This comparative analysis is intended to provide an overall assessment of the efficacy of the alternative assessment techniques used and their suitability for PBL. Keywords: project-based learning, project-oriented learning, interdisciplinary project, teamwork, feedback, alternative assessment, rubric

Medical residents’ perceptions of group biases in medical decision making: a qualitative study

BackgroundSystematic biases in group decision making (i.e., group biases) may result in suboptimal decisions and potentially harm patients. It is not well known how impaired group decision making in patient care may affect medical training. This study aimed to explore medical residents’ experiences and perspectives regarding impaired group decision making and the role of group biases in medical decision making.MethodsThis study used a qualitative approach with thematic analysis underpinned by a social constructionist epistemology. Semi-structured interviews of medical residents were conducted at a single internal medicine residency program. Residents were initially asked about their experiences with suboptimal medical decision making as a group or team. Then, questions were targeted to several group biases (groupthink, social loafing, escalation of commitment). Interviews were transcribed and transferred to a qualitative data analysis software. Thematic analysis was conducted to generate major themes within the dataset.ResultsSixteen interviews with residents revealed five major themes: (1) hierarchical influence on group decision making; (2) group decision making under pressure; (3) post-call challenges in decision making; (4) interactions between teamwork and decision making; and (5) personal and cultural influences in group decision making. Subthemes were also identified for each major theme. Most residents were able to recognize groupthink in their past experiences working with medical teams. Residents perceived social loafing or escalation of commitment as less relevant for medical team decision making.ConclusionsOur findings provide unique insights into the complexities of group decision making processes in teaching hospitals. Team hierarchy significantly influenced residents’ experiences with group decision making—most group decisions were attributed to consultants or senior team members, while lower ranking team members contributed less and perceived fewer opportunities to engage in group decisions. Other factors such as time constraints on decision making, perceived pressures from other staff members, and challenges associated with post-call days were identified as important barriers to optimal group decision making in patient care. Future studies may build upon these findings to enhance our understanding of medical team decision making and develop strategies to improve group decisions, ultimately leading to higher quality patient care and training.

Quantitative Exploration of High AI Usage, Self-Efficacy, Learning Performance, and Social Loafing Among Young Adults In Bangalore

Abstract: The present paper examines the intricate interplay between self-efficacy, learning performance, social loafing, and AI usage within educational contexts. Key findings unveil moderate positive correlations between self-efficacy and learning performance, juxtaposed with a subtle negative correlation between self-efficacy and AI usage. Yet, a delicate positive correlation emerges between social loafing and AI usage, signaling potential implications for student engagement and collaborative practices. The implications of these findings extend to educators, policymakers, and researchers, underscoring the imperative of ethical and informed AI integration in education. Moreover, the paper advocates for continued exploration into the multifaceted impacts of AI on student learning, offering valuable insights for enhancing educational practices in the digital era.

Unravelling Self-Efficacy in Online Discussion and Presentation: Insights from English Education Students in Kupang, Indonesia

The rapid growth of digital technology has revolutionized the educational landscape, with online learning becoming a prominent mode of instruction. This study explores students' self-efficacy in the context of online discussions and presentations in English language learning. The research involved English Education students in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). The questionnaire assessed students' self-efficacy beliefs in their speaking abilities and handling challenging situations during online discussions and presentations. The FGD provided more profound insights into the factors influencing students' experiences with virtual classroom speaking. The findings revealed that many students demonstrated a positive self-efficacy in their speaking abilities during online discussions. They expressed confidence in their communication skills and ability to handle complex tasks. However, limited access to internet connectivity, lack of engagement and social loafing, lack of preparation, students’ English Proficiency, and fear of making mistakes were demotivating factors affecting self-efficacy. The study highlights the importance of fostering a supportive online learning environment to enhance students' self-efficacy. To gain a better understanding of students' self-efficacy in online discussion and presentation, future research could include a more diverse group of students from various institutions and academic levels.

Fitting in a workgroup in unique ways: A latent profile analysis of perceived person-group fit characteristics.

Research has identified seven characteristics-value congruence, shared interests, perceived demographic similarity, needs-supplies match, goal similarity, common workstyle, and complementary attributes-on which group members simultaneously evaluate their perceived person-group (PG) fit. Most of extant research has focused on how each characteristic or them as a composite predicts outcomes. However, these variable-centered approaches fail to address how there may be subpopulations of members who differentially combine the PG fit characteristics and how such conjunctive effects differentially relate to various work outcomes. To address these issues, we adopt a profile-based approach using latent profile analysis to understand how group members are similar to and different from each other on more holistic configurations of perceived PG fit experiences. With two widely different samples of employees working in group settings, we found seven unique profiles of PG fit: perfect fits, comfortable fits, surface-level misfits, out of syncs, social misfits, lone wolves, and total misfits. We also found in Sample 2 that these profiles differentially predicted group member outcomes commonly studied in the PG fit literature, including attitudes (satisfaction and cohesion), performance behaviors (task performance and citizenship behaviors of helping and voice), and withdrawal (social loafing and turnover). Complementing research that used variable-centered approaches, our profile-based results reveal new theoretical and practical insights of perceived PG fit, suggesting that different group members have distinct configurations of PG fit, and that higher levels of PG fit are not universally positive, and neither is every type of misfit universally negative. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Social Loafing pada Anggota Unit Kegiatan Mahasiswa Universitas Negeri Padang Menggunakan Pendekatan Thematic Analysis

Student Activity Unit (UKM) is the main forum for student self-development. However, UKM at Padang State University face several challenges related to the lack of member contributions to UKM work programs, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of the MBKM program. This study aims to understand the phenomenon of social loafing in UKM members at Padang State University by focusing on the reasons for joining, member contributions, barriers, and their impact on UKM. The study used qualitative methods with a thematic analysis approach through an open questionnaire on 200 active UNP students who became members of UKM in 2020-2022. The findings showed that respondents joined UKM because they wanted to develop themselves, improve social relations, match with interests and talents, increase experience, suitability of UKM with college majors, a good organizational environment, recommendations from others, fill spare time, and attractive attributes of UKM. Although many actively contribute, some members are less active due to factors such as perceived co-worker loafing, cohesivity, communication, and workload distribution at the organizational level. Individual factors such as time management, motivation, personal problems, adversity quotient, involvement in other activities, self-efficacy, passion, and academic stress also influence participation. These barriers can reduce the effectiveness of UKM with impacts such as unattainable targets, low participation, and high turnover. Impact on individuals such as physical and psychological disorders, decreased motivation, and suboptimal performance.

Why do people enjoy hitchhiking in teams? A moderated serial mediated study on social loafing

Why do people enjoy hitchhiking in teams? A moderated serial mediated study on social loafing

Engineering students’ thoughts on teamwork and approaches to solving a problem with an underperforming member

Engineering programs have to develop students’ teamwork skills. However, the onus on content specialists to teach teamwork skills may be challenging partly because of students’ negative attitudes towards and experiences with teamwork. This study investigated 295 engineering students’ thoughts on teamwork and the strategies they used to solve problems with underperforming team members. Data were collected using a survey and a discourse completion task. The results revealed that among the key reasons why the students liked such activities was the exchange of information and experience, increased quantity and quality of work, and interpersonal communication. However, they indicated lack of harmony, social loafing, lack of attention paid to tasks, and individual approaches to learning as reasons for skepticism about teamwork. As to problem-solving strategies, emphatic inquiry and judgmental questioning were most common. Based on these results, we suggest that engineering faculty collaborate with communication instructors in planning and executing soft-skills training for students. Engineering faculty should also be provided with technical support for the incorporation of teamwork activities in virtual environments.

Effects of Organizational Justice on Social Loafing: The Mediating Role of Felt Obligation

Although there has been an increasing body of work on social loafing for over ten years, there are still gaps in our understanding that require further investigation. There is currently a lack of research on organizational justice and the sense of duty towards social loafing. This study examines how organizational fairness (procedural, distributive, interactional) affects social loafing to address a gap in the existing literature. According to social exchange theory, the study predicted that perceived obligation would act as a mediator in the relationship between organizational justice and social loafing. Information was collected from 272 private sector employees in Malaysia. The measurements were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. With the exception of distributive justice, most direct links have a considerable influence on social loafing, as indicated by the data. Statistical findings confirmed the mediating role of perceived obligation between procedural fairness, distributive justice, and social loafing. The findings did not show that felt obligation plays a mediating role in the link between interactional justice and social loafing behavior. The study advanced knowledge by establishing new connections between organizational fairness, felt obligation, and social loafing behavior. Distinct measures of employees' perceptions of organizational justice offer a more comprehensive understanding of the connection between negative outcomes and their views of the organization. Additionally, the reciprocation process explains the link between organizational justice and social loafing. This research demonstrates that organizational fairness is a crucial component in predicting social loafing behavior, which would be advantageous for employers and human resource experts. Improvements can be made by establishing equitable and uniform workplace standards, encouraging employee input and involvement in decision-making, and demonstrating decency and respect for subordinates to prevent counterproductive actions like social loafing.

Social Loafing Level of Class X Students at Senior High School 8 Semarang

This research aims to determine the level of social loafing of class X students at SMA N 8 Semarang. Looking at the level of activity of class X students during the process of providing Classical Tutoring services by the guidance and counseling teacher. When the group discussion process took place there were only a few students who were actively discussing. So the researcher feels that there is a need for research regarding the level of social loafing in class X students. This research is quantitative descriptive research. The sampling technique in this research is simple random sampling. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire which contains statements stating the object to be expressed. Data analysis uses descriptive analysis techniques. The results of this research are that the level of social laziness of class X students at SMA Negeri 8 Semarang on average has a moderate level of social loafing.

Fear of COVID-19 as a mediator within the impact of presenteeism on social loafing1.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused employees to be mentally absent at work and decreased their motivation and effort when they work collaboratively rather than individually due to the fear of transmission. The study aims to test the effect of fear caused by COVID-19 on levels of presenteeism and social loafing from job tasks of employees. Data were collected from 522 white-collar and blue-collar workers in Turkey by the snowball sampling method. Before testing the hypotheses, CFA was performed. Reliability analysis was assessed via Cronbach Alpha (FCV-19S = 0.941; PS = 0.713; SLS = 0.974), AVE (FCV-19S = 0.686; PS = 0.524; SLS = 0.725), and CR (FCV-19S = 0.734; PS = 0.722; SLS = 0.856) values. The mediating effect of fear of COVID-19 within the impact on presenteeism on social loafing was evaluated through Process Macro for SPSS. The coefficients for both direct and indirect effects were calculated in the 95% confidence interval using 5,000 bootstrap replicates. The results show that presenteeism has a significant positive impact on social loafing. Fear of COVID-19 has a statistically significant impact on presenteeism and social loafing. Also, fear of COVID-19 partially mediates within the impact of presenteeism on social loafing in the study. Organizations should consider employees' views to increase the level of well-being and productivity. A high level of inventiveness from organizations is compulsory to explore which organizational roles and workflow are at least remotely operated during this period.

Mediators of the relationship between perceived social loafing and team performance among university student teams

Abstract: Perceived social loafing has been found to be negatively related to team performance. However, far too little attention has been paid to the underlying mechanism of this association. Thepurpose of the present study is to investigate not only the direct relationship between perceived social loafing and team performance but also the indirect relationship between these two variables viamediating roles of the sucker effect/social compensation and social loafer’s continuous social loafing. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 360 students of a public university in Vietnam in 2021. The current study confirmed the previous finding that perceived social loafing could negatively influence team performance. The most striking result to emerge from the data was that the sucker effect had no correlation with any other variables while social compensation and social loafer’s continuous social loafing were two serial mediators in the relationship between perceived social loafing and team performance. Specifically, when students perceived that their teammates engaged in social loafing,they exerted more effort to compensate for the social loafers, this way of reaction made the social loafers continue putting forth less effort and, in consequence, the overall team performance was low.