Final answer:
Asking team members to participate in planning is the most effective tactic for Malcolm to get them to work on the task as it creates buy-in and ownership, fostering a collaborative environment and addressing the free rider problem.
Step-by-step explanation:
Of the influence tactics presented for Malcolm to get his team members to work on the task, the most effective would be asking them to participate in planning how the project can be completed. This approach fosters buy-in and ownership of the project, which aligns with research indicating that involvement in planning increases commitment to a task. It effectively addresses the collective action problem by making team members feel like an integral part of the solution, thus reducing the free rider problem and incentivizing active participation.
Other tactics, such as appealing to loyalty, offering time off, or using authority, may not be as effective in creating a collaborative environment. Incentives that are too extrinsic, like time off, may not provide continuous motivation, while authoritative approaches might result in compliance but not genuine engagement.