What term describes the tendency for people to exert less effort in a group setting than when working individually?

The term that describes the tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group compared to when they work alone is known as social loafing. This phenomenon often occurs because individuals feel less accountable for their contributions in a group setting, which can lead to reduced motivation and effort.

In a group, people may assume that others will pick up the slack, leading to a diffusion of responsibility. As a result, individuals may not feel the same level of pressure to perform well as they would when working solo. This concept is significant in social psychology as it highlights the complexities of group dynamics and individual motivation.

The other terms listed relate to different aspects of group behavior. Social facilitation, for example, refers to the improved performance on tasks in the presence of others, which contrasts sharply with social loafing. Groupthink pertains to the tendency for group members to conform to consensus decisions without critical thinking, and team dynamics describe the interactions and processes that occur among team members, which include but are not limited to social loafing.