Social Loafing

Week 11 Social Pschy Discussion 2 Social Loafing
Brian, a class colleague, is someone who counts on the group’s high achievers to do the majority of the work. This behavior is known as social loafing. Social loafers thrive because they know the high achievers cannot do less than their best; that is precisely what makes them high achievers. Adding to the problem, if it is the group product that is evaluated rather than individual contributions—then Brian will be less motivated to participate. That is why social loafing is rampant in university classrooms where grades are based on the finished group product.
For this Discussion, you examine methods to motivate social loafers.
To Prepare
• Review the Learning Resources for this week and consider motivation methods that a social psychologist might use to encourage a social loafer to do his or her share.
• Recall a time when you observed social loafing.
By Day 4
Post a situation when you experienced or observed social loafing. Informed by social psychology theory, suggest ways to motivate social loafers to carry their weight.
By Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleague’s posts and offer additional suggestions. Be sure they are informed by social psychology theory and research.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the social psychology theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or Internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your post and responses. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained as a result of your colleagues’ comments.