Final answer:
Social loafing commonly occurs in large groups among college students, but is less prevalent among women and those from collectivistic cultures. It's also less likely when tasks are complex, and can be mitigated through individual assessments and strategic group formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social loafing is a phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in groups compared to when working alone, particularly when individual contributions are not identifiable. It is commonly observed in various settings, such as among college students. Studies suggest that social loafing is more likely to occur in larger groups, where individual efforts are less discernible. However, it is less prevalent among women and those from collectivistic cultures. Moreover, social loafing tends to decrease when tasks are complex and require collective effort for successful completion. Strategies such as assessments by managers or instructors, self-evaluations, and the flocking method for forming groups can help mitigate the effects of social loafing.