Photo Guy Ackermans Can you identify a moment where you had a group work, and one of the members underperforms? Such process of actively looking for reward with no effort has been described as the Free-Rider problem. Moreover, free-riding usually affects other performing individuals making them to become free-riders, also known as the sucker effect.
I always hear WUR students and employees complaining about their team members. Then, why is it so common to find free-riders? Is the free-riding problem part of the learning strategy in education/institution?
Communication is fundamental for understanding
In education, we often encounter the thought that we should be able to work in teams with anyone, although, at what cost? I think the main problem with issues in teams is a combination of ineffective communication, inexistence of team-tailoring, and unclear goals. Effective communication is the cornerstone for groups of people to agree or disagree on something, communication is fundamental for understanding. I personally think that teams must be tailored towards the maximization of advantages, and minimization of disadvantages. Furthermore, having clear goals gives direction to the team, which then triangles with effective communication and strategic team-tailoring.
Finally, it is relevant to considered other variables playing a role in team performance, including complexity of tasks, considerations in language and diversity barriers, number of members in the team, incentives and recognition of effort.
Next time you find yourself annoyed by one of your team members, ask yourself what is this team missing to perform better?
Willy Contreras-Avilés (34) is a second-year PhD candidate in Horticulture and Biochemistry of medicinal cannabis, from Panama. He likes to dance (perrear), cook Italian food, and swim.
