Final answer:
John's tendency to avoid responsibility and contribute less in group settings is called social loafing. This phenomenon can be managed through accountability, peer pressure, and structured group formation to mitigate the impacts on group projects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tendency of John to avoid responsibility by free riding in groups is called social loafing. Social loafing occurs when an individual contributes less effort to a task when working in a group compared to when working alone. Factors contributing to social loafing include the belief that one's efforts are less identifiable in a group and the perception that others will compensate for any lack of effort. College students often encounter social loafing within group projects, where all members receive the same grade regardless of individual contribution levels. Collective action problems, such as social loafing, are more pronounced in larger groups but can be mitigated through various strategies, including accountability measures, peer pressure, and strategic group formation.