Blog # 7

Do I act differently with others around? Carol Travis wrote the article “In Groups We Shrink”. The passage is about changes in people’s behaviors and actions in groups compared to people by themselves. Also doctors have another underlying cause called “Diffusion of Responsibility” or “Social Loafing” for an example of a person’s laid back behavior of “Oh someone is going to take care of it” I agree with the idea of diffusion of responsibility or social loafing stated in this article.

I have experienced numerous times when diffusion of responsibility has played out. One day I had gone to work earlier than usual and proceeded to down to the locker rooms. I was approached by employees with their concern about another employee who wasn’t feeling well. I first asked did anyone tell the manager on duty, their response was they did but she wants to go home so she is waiting for you to take care of it. I was appalled by that statement, but before I could confront her I checked up on the employee. Fortunately for him I stepped in, the employee had first signs of a heart attack. While all this is going on the manger on duty got dressed and left. This is just one situation amongst the many.

Diffusion of responsibility is typical heard or read in the news.  I read an article in the New York post in 2010 about a homeless man coming to aid of a woman who being attacked. The homeless was stabbed and left their in a pool of blood and 25 people walked passed him before action was taken. Shocked that this actually happened, I was so upset but unfortunately it happens. Social loafing is a similar concept as well; people are just plain lazy and figure someone else will figure it out.

None the less perfect example is the report about Luisa Brown. Watching channel 7 in 2008, a picture of this 7 year-old girl was shown. Little Brown was beaten to death by her step father all because she ate his yogurt. Family suspected abuse but did nothing and figured her mother would sort it out. The sad part is she had a social worker who claims she did not see anything. Both parents were charged but it was too late for Luisa Brown. Only if someone stepped on time, this little girl would be alive today. Just like the staged situation in the article about the woman with the broken ankle.

All these situations are brought to life in the news, articles, and workplace and even at home. Everyone has a choice to help or not but responding would prevent a lot of tragedies.