Motivation losses in task-performing groups: A social dilemma analysis.

Kerr, Norbert L. (1983) Motivation losses in task-performing groups: A social dilemma analysis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 45 (4). pp. 819-828. ISSN 0022-3514. E-ISSN 1939-1315. (doi:10.1037/0022-3514.45.4.819) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided)

Abstract

Theory developed to account for behavior in social dilemmas—situations in which - the rational pursuit of self-interest can lead to collective disaster—was applied to the analysis of group motivation losses. Two group motivation loss effects demonstrated in previous research, the social-loafing effect and the free-rider effect, were shown to follow from social dilemma theories. An experiment was performed to empirically demonstrate a third motivation loss effect, termed the sucker effect. It was hypothesized that group members would reduce their efforts if they had a capable partner.who free rode on their efforts, that is, who was capable of contributing to the group but would not. This prediction was confirmed. The effect was particularly strong in males. Potential remedies for such motivation losses were discussed.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1037/0022-3514.45.4.819
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions:	Faculties > Social Sciences > School of Psychology > Social Psychology
Depositing User:	Norbert L Kerr
Date Deposited:	07 Jun 2014 22:17 UTC
Last Modified:	29 May 2019 12:39 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/41333 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)