If members in a group are performing additive tasks, then ______.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is Option 2: Social loafing will be more.

Additive tasks are tasks where each group member’s individual contribution is combined to form the overall outcome, such as pulling on a rope in a tug-of-war. In these situations, individuals may feel that their individual contributions are less noticeable, and therefore they may not put in as much effort. This phenomenon is known as social loafing—where individuals exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone.

Information Booster:

Types of Group Tasks 

1. Additive Tasks

• Definition: Group output = sum of individual contributions.

• Example: Lifting a heavy object together.

• Key Feature: More contributors = greater output.

• Challenge: Free-riding (some contribute less but still benefit).

2. Conjunctive Tasks

• Definition: Group success depends on the weakest member.

• Example: A mountain climbing team moving at the slowest member’s pace.

• Key Feature: Performance is limited by the least capable person.

• Challenge: A weak member can slow progress.

3. Disjunctive Tasks

• Definition: Group success depends on the best member.

• Example: Solving a problem where the best idea is adopted.

• Key Feature: Performance equals the most capable member.

• Challenge: Recognizing and using the best solution.

4. Compensatory Tasks

• Definition: Group decision is based on the average of individual inputs.

• Example: Estimating the number of jellybeans in a jar.

• Key Feature: Errors cancel out through averaging.

• Challenge: Outliers can distort results.