Social Loafing

Social loafing, a situation when one team member exerts less effort than their potential on working alone (McShane and Travaglione, 2007), has been considered a limitation of team work. The difference between Individualism-collectivism was seen as the key cultural factor leading to this phenomenon, and social loafing has been observed in the former rather than the later.

The distinction resides within the motives of either individualism or collectivism. Individualists emphasize the attainment of personal goals and self-interests over the collective good; they derive their satisfaction based on individual accomplishment. Whereas, collectivists stresses the common goal attainment, cooperation and put group goals ahead of their self-interests, they may feel responsible to contribute and believe other members will put similarly effort to the group's performance (Earley, 1989)

Another reason leading to social loafing between the two cultures is dispensability, that is, individualists often find their part dispensable regardless of full or partial contribution. They will, therefore, redirect effort to pursue personal outcomes (Earley, 1989) while counting on others for collective goods. People from collectivistic culture, in contrast, will contribute their indispensable part for group achievement as their priority.

Social loafing would be addressed with identifiability where specific, measurable and observable tasks are distributed to members. As such, individualists' work would be recognized, motivating them for their performance within group. It is also important to promote team's diversity with members varying in skills and cultures so as to support and exchange opinions towards group's achievement.

People from different countries bring their various culture backgrounds into group, which somehow indicate the type of work they are suitable for. Understanding those distinctions will, apparently help managers in group formation and task assignment so as to avoid the appearance of social loafing.