Social Loafing in Group Work: Prevalence, Contributing Factors, and Consequences in Madda Walabu University

Abstract

The general objective of this research was to see the prevalence, contributing factors and consequences of social loafing in MWU. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to achieve the research objectives. The participants were: 277 2^nd and 3^rd-year students. The participants were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. To collect data regarding variables under the study, a self-report (rating) questionnaire adapted from Jassawalla, Malshe, and Shashittal (2008) and interviews were used. The results of percentage and frequency revealed that social loafing is prevalent in group works. Stepwise multiple regressions indicated that some variables such as evaluation methods, lack of skills, group size, and laziness have a significant contribution to social loafing. The frequency and percentage result indicated that there are negative consequences of social loafing. Independent T-test for group means difference revealed that there was a significant difference in female and male students in the consequences of social loafing and there was a significant difference between 2^nd and 3^rd-year students in their perception of the prevalence of social loafing. Based on the findings, conclusions and recommendations were made; directions for future research were indicated.

Keywords: Group Work and Social Loafing

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-17-02

Publication date:September 30^th 2020