Effect of conflict and emotions on perceptions of social loafing in groups

Abstract

We investigate the impact different types of conflict have on social loafing perceptions within groups/teams. In a sample of 164 respondents, the perception of social loafing was found to be directly and positively influenced by contribution conflict and negative emotions, while task conflict, logistical conflict, and relationship conflict did not have direct positive effects on perceived social loafing. However, task conflict was found to have a marginally significant direct suppressing effect upon perceived social loafing once the influences from logistic conflict, contribution conflict, relationship conflict and negative emotions were controlled for. Implications of the findings are discussed.