Question

Do you agree that Social Loafing is similar to Theory X?. Give an example to support your answer ( long answer ).

Answer 1

Let’s first define “Social loafing” and “Theory X”.

Social loafing can be defined as the lack of motivation to put in enough effort when people are in a group setting. In a group setting, there may be few employees that work less than they are supposed to. Their lack of effort is covered by the overall group of employees who put in enough effort or little more. This phenomenon of prone to being lazy is called social loafing.

McGregor’s theory X states that employees are usually lazy, lack motivation and avoid work if they can. The employees need to constantly monitored, controlled and tracked on a regular basis to extract their due responsibility from them. In a general note, theory X believes in external motivation to make sure employees work well.

Now, if we compare them we can see plenty of similarity. Social loafing can be considered a validation of Theory X by McGregor. Thus I agree that social loafing is very similar to theory X.