What is the concept of reducing one's sense of personal responsibility when working in a group?

The concept of reducing one's sense of personal responsibility when working in a group is known as diffusion of responsibility. This phenomenon occurs when individuals feel less accountable for their actions or decisions in a group setting, as the responsibility is perceived to be shared among all members. As a result, people may be less likely to take initiative or intervene in situations where action is needed, believing that others will step up instead.

For example, in emergency situations, individuals may hesitate to help if they are in a crowd, thinking that someone else will take charge. The larger the group, the more pronounced this effect often becomes, leading to a decrease in individual pro-social behaviors. Understanding this concept is crucial for improving group dynamics and ensuring more effective collaboration and responsibility-sharing among team members.