Research Papers
Title: Team Size, Dispersion, and Social Loafing in Technology-Support: A Theory of Moral Disengagement Perspective
Reference #: ITRI-WP144-0409
Date: 4/1/2009
Authors: Omar Alnuaimi - University of Arkansas
Lionel P. Robert Jr. - University of Arkansas
Likoebe M. Maruping - University of Arkansas
Abstract: Social loafing is the tendency of individuals to withhold contributions to a task in a team setting. Team size and dispersion are two primary drivers of social loafing in technology-supported team settings. However, the mechanisms through which these drivers affect social loafing are not well understood. Consequently, the objective of this study is to identify the cognitive mechanisms that meditate the effect of team size and dispersion on social loafing in technology-supported teams. Drawing on the theory of moral disengagement, we posit that three primary cognitive mechanisms will mediate the impact of team size and dispersion on social loafing; diffusion of responsibility, attribution of blame, and dehumanization.
 
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