Social Loafing as a Form of Passive Resistance and Altruistic Behavior: An Evaluation from a Duality Perspective in Organizational Behavior
Chapter from the book:
Mücevher,
M.
H.
(ed.)
2026.
Dualism in Organizational Behavior: The Tension and Interaction of Opposing Concepts – Volume 1.
Synopsis
This study aims to discuss, within a theoretical framework, how the concepts of social loafing and altruism—essentially positioned as two opposing poles—can coexist and transform into one another. Social loafing, as a form of passive resistance, is explained through social impact theory and equity theories, whereas altruistic behavior is grounded in social exchange theory, prosocial behaviors, and ethical perspectives. Both concepts are examined in the context of organizational equality and justice, as well as the visibility of effort. Accordingly, employees are more likely to adopt altruistic behavior in organizations they perceive as equal, fair, and merit-based, where their efforts are visible and appreciated; conversely, in the opposite situation, they tend toward social loafing. Therefore, when social loafing is perceived not merely as a personality disposition or laziness but as a signal indicating the presence of organizational problems, it becomes possible to resolve these issues and transform loafing into altruistic behavior.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammet Hamdi Mücevher; Betül Okudur Sabuncu- Muhammet Hamdi Mücevher- Fatma Nur Karaca- Hatice Çoban Kumbalı- Gamze Solmaz- Hacer Orun Kavak- İfakat Atak- İbrahim Salih Çekim- Fatmanur Çeçen- Zeynep İlhan- Şengül Sağlam- Şerife Güzel- Hatice Sabırlı- Mehmet Ali Taş- Damla Aylin Erten- Esin Barutçu- Derya Dinçer Gültekin- Zeynep Duran