Shane Dermott is a manager at a software design firm that develops software programs for clients using multiple teams of specialists. One of his most successful teams has been performing very well for years and so it came as a surprise to Shane when he noticed a sharp drop in the team's performance. He decided to speak with the team individually and find a solution. After interviewing all 7 team members, he determined that one of the team members performed routine administrative tasks that were hardly visible to any of the other team members and understood that this was a case of social loafing which demotivated the entire group. Which of the following would most likely improve the performance of the employee who was social loafing?
A) encouraging him to work more independently
B) making him individually responsible for definite and crucial tasks
C) providing him with administrative training
D) giving him additional assignments to complete
E) empowering him to make decisions autonomously

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Making the employee individually responsible for definite and crucial tasks would likely improve their performance and decrease social loafing. This would give them a sense of ownership and accountability for their work, thus motivating them to perform better. Encouraging them to work independently or giving them additional assignments may not address the root of the issue and could potentially exacerbate the problem. Administrative training or empowering them to make decisions autonomously may also not be relevant or applicable to their specific duties within the team.

Shane Dermott Is a Manager at a Software Design Firm