Chapter 9, Problem 27CR

Summary Introduction

Case Summary:

One of the downsides when coming to working as groups is social loafing. People tend to work less in groups than when they work individually. While motivating them by means of rewards could reduce social loafing, it is generally not practiced. The onus lies not only on the managers but also on the employees to limit social loafing.

Characters in the case:

There are no specific characters in this passage presented.

Adequate Information:

The productive employees work towards meeting the groups’ goals. This leads to social loafing being overlooked. Limiting the size of the groups, having specific goals for individuals, making them accountable for their tasks, rewarding them both individually as well as the group could limit social loafing.

To Determine:

If U.S. workers or students should be tolerated for shirking as compared to those of the other nations

Given:

Shirkers do not perform their tasks as members of the group. They contribute less than when they work as individuals. Low performances, non-productive meetings and counterproductive work behaviors are possible with social loafing. In individualist nations, social loafing is more than the other countries.