Social loafing: Factors that reduce participation in jurors

What is it about?

erving on a jury is one of citizens’ most important civic duties, but not all jurors contribute equally during deliberations. This review explored “social loafing,” in the context of jury decision-making. Social loafing is the tendency for individuals to put in less effort when working in a group than when working alone. Through a review of prior theory and research, this work examines factors that may reduce juror participation, such as low motivation and expectations, feeling unqualified, or assuming others will take on the responsibility. The review also discusses conditions that could encourage more active engagement, including informing jurors about social loafing processes, providing jurors with performance feedback, and introducing a group facilitator to encourage participation. By understanding why some jurors may remain quiet, disengaged, or unmotivated to contribute, courts can take steps to ensure fairer, more thorough deliberations.

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Photo by Tusik Only on Unsplash

Photo by Tusik Only on Unsplash

Why is it important?

By understanding and addressing the causes of social loafing in jury deliberations, courts can promote more active participation from all jurors. Encouraging equal involvement not only strengthens the quality of group decision-making but also helps ensure that verdicts are the product of diverse perspectives rather than the voices of only a few dominant members.