Identify which method is not suitable to reduce social loafing?

The correct answer is Option (3) → Their contribution should not be evaluated on individual basis

Social loafing is a reduction in individual effort when working on a collective task, one in which the outputs of all members are pooled.

Option (1) Increasing the apparent importance or the value of the task — Reduces social loafing. When the task looks important and worthwhile, members care more about doing it well.

Option (2) Making the efforts of each person identifiable. — Reduces social loafing. Loafing thrives where it is not possible to identify how much each member contributes, as in a tug-of-war. Once each person’s effort can be seen, no one can become a free rider.

Option (3) Their contribution should not be evaluated on individual basis — Not suitable; it increases social loafing. One of the very reasons for loafing is that motivation of members decreases because they realise that their contributions will not be evaluated on individual basis. Doing this would encourage loafing, not reduce it.

Option (4) Strengthening group cohesiveness for successful group outcome — Reduces social loafing. A cohesive group increases the motivation for a successful group outcome, so members put in their full effort.