Group Process - Research Paper Example

Group Process Paper Social Loafing At Workplace Social loafing is a phenomenon wherein an individual working within a group exercises fewer efforts towards the accomplishment of the common group goals. Social loafing can be observed at several instances within the workplace. Accordingly, when the people within a group find any task to be unimportant, uninvolving and uninteresting, social loafing can be observed. At the same time, social loafing can be observed when there is little monitoring executed within the group.

Conflicts among the group members also cause people to reduce effort towards the accomplishment of the group tasks. The differences in personal traits among the group members and the differences in their perspective to view certain situation also result in social loafing while working in group. It can be argued that a lack of appreciation and inadequate measures to motivate people at the workplace also cause people to resist from actively involving in certain tasks (Duncan, 1994). Effects of Social LoafingSocial loafing may adversely influence the workplace environment as well as the quality of task performed by the group of employees.

Social loafing makes it quite difficult for managers to take efficient decisions. When there is a greater level of social loafing, it becomes essential for managers to reveal utmost understanding and competency as a consequence of less support from the employees practicing social loafing. Social loafing often causes disappointment among the group members which deprives them to contribute their best towards the accomplishment of the certain assigned tasks. Consequently, the overall productivity of group members is reduced which causes delay in accomplishment of certain goals as well as it results in increasing cost of production.

Social loafing also decreases the commitment level of other group members. Congruently, social loafing results in loss of opportunity for employees to explore new ideas. Precisely, social loafing negatively influences the level of employee participation (Duncan, 1994). Approaches to Positively Impact MotivationThere are various ways which can be undertaken within an organization in order to positively impact motivation. In this regard, leadership is an important element. Correspondingly, enthusiastic leaders with clear vision and necessary quality such as empathy and ability to understand the needs of group members can positively promote motivation.

Involving every group member in the decision making process will also increase the accountability of the employees which may eventually lead towards increasing the level of motivation. Promoting individual social identity may also enhance the capability of the group to perform well. Placing value and recognition to work performed by an individual may result in reducing the temptation towards social loafing. Encouraging group loyalty may motivate the group members to work in a cooperative manner which would ultimately increase the level of their performance and thereby the productivity.

It is also vital to treat every group member with utmost dignity and value their views in order to positively impact the level of motivation (Salopek, 2004). It can be concluded that positively impacting motivation rather than negatively will facilitate in seeking greater commitment and cordial workplace environment which will ultimately bring about an increased level of production. ReferencesDuncan, W. J. (1994). Why some people loaf in groups while others loaf alone. Academy of Management Executive, 8(1), 79-80.

Salopek, J. J. (2004). Social Intelligence. ABI/INFORM Global, 58(9), 17-19.