TOEFL Speaking Task 3

Social loafing is a phenomenon in which individuals exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone. This reduction in motivation occurs because individuals feel their contributions are less identifiable within a group setting, leading to a diffusion of responsibility. Social loafing is more likely to occur in large groups, when tasks are simple or repetitive, and when each member’s output is not individually evaluated. It can reduce overall group productivity and satisfaction.

Professor: Now, let me give you an example from my own experience. In a marketing class, I asked students to work in groups of four to brainstorm ideas for a new advertising campaign. Each group had to submit one list of ideas. I noticed that some students contributed very little—they just sat back and let others do the work. Interestingly, one student, who was usually very creative and active in class, barely said anything. Later, I interviewed him. He said, “I thought my ideas wouldn’t be noticed anyway, so why bother?” I then changed the assignment: each student had to write down his or her own ideas first, and then the group discussed them. Suddenly, that same student produced many excellent ideas. He told me, “Now that I know my individual contribution will be seen, I feel more motivated.” This clearly shows that when individual effort is identifiable, effort increases.