The Extent of Social Loafing among the Group Members - Research Paper Example

Social Loafing A Review of the Case Study 16th May’2008 Table of Contents Executive Summary………………………………………………….3.0 1. Introduction/Summary…………………………………………….3.0 1.1 Statement of purpose………………………………….... 3.1 1.2 Summary of case study…………………………… ….. .3.1 1.3 Summary of report content…………………… ……… 4.0 2. Report Content……………………………………………………. .4.0 2.1 Background……………………………………………... 5.0 2.2 SWOT Analysis…………………………………………...5.0 2.3 Method………………………………………………….....6.0 2.4 Analysis and Discussion of the case………………………6.0 2.5 Recommendations………………………………………….8.0 3. Conclusion………………………………………………….………10.0 4. List of Recommendations……………………………… .……….10.0 5. Bibliography……………………………………………….…........12.0 Executive Summary Social Loafing is the phenomenon where people work less in a group rather than individually because people believe that the other team members do not endeavor to put in the same effort as they do. The report exposes the extent of social loafing among the group members in accordance with the case study, the causes of loafing, a complete SWOT analysis of the study bringing out the key factors responsible for the task and pointing out the suitable recommendations to solve the loafing problem as exhibited by Ivan and the methods where the team can be encouraged and inspired to work as a group entity rather than following an individualistic approach to achieve their sole aims and objectives. Introduction Statement of purpose: To curtail the unconstructive approach of ‘Social Loafing’ and encourage the optimistic viewpoint for group effort and unity among members which leads to better performance and achievement of pre defined goals. Summary of case study: Social Loafing is the propensity of a worker to put in a less labour when working in a group errand rather than working independently or as an individual. A social loafer perceives that he is the only worker in the group who is responsible for the entire task and others would gain credit on his efforts, at the same time he is also aware that it would be impossible for an external observer to determine the extent of participation made by the group members hence he gets a chance to skip off. As observed in the case study, the problem of social loafing is well depicted among the few group members who are assigned a task to conduct and analyze the implications of a case study. At first there are few inhibitions among the group members but gradually they all form a good understanding apart from one of the member, Ivan who reveals all the qualities of being a social loafer. Summary of report content: The following report deals with the in-depth study of the case which bring out the Strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the case and the concept of social loafing, as well as finding out the measures through which people can be motivated to work more intimately in a group. Report Content Background Acc to (Kravitz & Martin, 1986), the effort required to accomplish a task in a group is comparatively less in comparison to the exertion put in by a single person but the perception of individuals restrain them to move ahead in a group. The thought of sharing the credit with somehow obstruct the team spirit and group indulgence. The case provided, shows the dilemma of working in a group. Rutendo, Wang Jiang Yi, Supriya and Ivan, collaborated themselves in a group to conduct a case analysis but were more comfortable working individually. The case deals with how the four of them distributed the tasks among themselves, how they conceptualized the need and requirements of the task and the procedure they planned to realize their goal. Rutendo, Wang Jiang Yi and Supriya worked systematically, thereby finishing up the task in due course of time but Ivan who was a kind of social loafer tried to shirk off his responsibility, which was totally disliked and unaccepted by the other members causing a friction and unwanted behavioral changes among the peers. The tendency of individual group members to trim down the effort in a work shows up in situations such as missing meetings, coming late or failing to complete individual tasks. As in the case study ample proof of the above situations have been given , where Ivan has been late for number of times and has acted completely irresponsible by not answering the mail or turning up at the eleventh hour of work where the work has already been done by the other group members. Method To have an in depth study of the case, A SWOT analysis of the case would be of great help: SWOT Analysis A scan of internal and external environment is an effective tool for the strategic analysis or the planning process. It will help in studying the various factors which are responsible for the behaviour and attitude depicted by each character of the case. Strength, depict the positive tangible and intangible components which are internal and well within the control of the people. Weaknesses are those which may deviate or distract one from achieving the goals and objectives framed and the areas which may be improvised in due course of time. Opportunities are the external factors (Ttuner, Ireland,K renus,& Pointon,2 008, p.118)which help in the organizational development and Threats are external factors beyond the control of the firm and prove to be of a risk which varies in intensity and the probability of occurrence. Analysis and Discussion of the case Strengths Supriya and Rutendo both seem to be intelligent and systematic in their work which can be an immense strength for the entire group. Acc to Ivan, he has already worked on the case study before, his knowledge can be of a great help for his group members. Careless and casual approach shown by Ivan, on confronting the topic clearly reveals his untailored approach. Co-coordinated work among Rutendo, Supriya and Wang Jiang Yi is an assurance for a good quality work put in by three of them. Weaknesses: Here, Favoritism or biasness for few members can pose problems as Rutendo who was more comfortable with Mohammed and Ali; one should be adaptable enough for the changing environment around. Improper understanding of the topic and no direction can slacken the whole process. Opportunities: The case study reveals that Rutendo was comfortable with her group mates, which is an opportunity to cash on for a successful completion of a task. Appreciation and healthy understanding among Rutendo, Supriya and Wang creates an opportunity for them to be open to suggestions and criticisms, for their own betterment and growth. They do have opportunities to build up healthy personal relationships for future and the present time. Threats: Rutendo hates to work in a group. This negative attitude initially can create problems in the future because of the preconceived notions which one frames in his or her mind. Ivan’s tardy attitude towards work, making the group members wait for long durations is a threat which can be a cause of discord among the members. Nagging feelings towards Ivan by Rutendo and other members. Recommendations Recommendation for Time Management and Accountability Here in the case study the problem arises initially as the kids are occupied with loads of assignment and other activities, which increases the tension and anxiety among the students. Hence time scheduling must be done in order to release the students from excess workload. Each and every member of the group must be held accountable for the actions performed by them. People, who are more prone to such act as Ivan, could be assigned the responsibility of a ‘Team Leader’ to give a direction to others and be more responsible towards their job. Assign responsibilities Make the member accountable for a particular task Appoint a Team Leader Time Management Recommendation for Minimizing the Effect of Loafing Inspite of being knowledgeable Ivan’s casual attitude and reckless behaviour have posed problems for others. Ivan was supposed to put up the recommendations for the case but due to his in competency the work of others was suffered. Ivan as a social loafer presented himself at the last moment when no body wanted to entail him in the project, moreover his last minutes tips and criticism regarding the report added to the fury of the other members. If Ivan could have applied his knowledge and helped them earlier, it would have been a well structured task. For this introducing competitions among the groups can also help in minimizing the effect of Loafing in the group. Choice of the group members does effect the efficiency of the group, as in the case if Rutendo who wanted to work with Mohammed and Ali, given a choice to select the members whom she could work with or people who complement her, would have enhanced the performance of each one of them. In this case even the Task relevance to the immediate organization, group, and society can help in motivating the members at large. The importance of the task must be brought out in clear and specific manner. Introduce competitions Choice of partners to be made according to compatibility Making clear the Task Relevance to members Recommendation for curbing the negative impact on co-members of the social loafer’s group: Social Loafing may have a negative impact on the individuals in the group who perform the bulk of the work as in this case where they have to mention Ivan’s name because he is a part of the project, in such cases the social loafer must be completely eliminated from the job. Rules of conduct must be clearly stated, where peer evaluation must also hold a deep significance. There should be a continuous progress evaluation for the smooth and efficient running of the operations. Formation of the rules of conduct Peer evaluation Continuous Progress evaluation Conclusion According to the recent researches done, it is shown that people work in group more productively when given a daunting challenging exercise to prove their ability as in the case of Supriya who had apprehensions while working in a group but in the due course of time did gel with the co-mates because of the appreciation received by her co-mates and perceiving herself to be an important part of the group.. If one clearly reveals about the distinctiveness or the uniqueness of the work contributed by them towards the organizational goals, it certainly uplifts or boosts up their motivation level to exert more. List of Recommendations Recommendation for Time Management and Accountability Assign responsibilities Make the member accountable for a particular task Appoint a Team Leader Time Management Recommendation for Minimizing the Effect of Loafing Introduce competitions Choice of partners to be made according to compatibility Making clear the Task Relevance to members Recommendation for curbing the negative impact on co-members of the social loafer’s group: Formation of the rules of conduct Peer evaluation Continuous Progress evaluation Bibliography Kravitz, D.A., & Martin, B. (1986). Ringelmann rediscovered: The original article. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 50(5), 936-941. Tumer, K., Ireland" L.. Krenus, B. & Pointon, L. (2008). Essential Academic Skills. Austraiia Oxford University Press. Read More