The literal meaning of ‘Free rider’ is someone who enjoys the benefits of an activity without paying/contributing for it. It has strong roots in economics. In economics, the free rider problem refers to a situation where some individuals in a population either consume more than their fair share of a common resource, or pay less than their fair share of the cost of a common resource.
Free riders at higher learning academic institutions prevail at all levels, say professors and students. Free riders at Professors level will enjoy the benefit of a research paper or sharing a course with fellow faculty member, without contributing much or almost nil contribution. You might have seen few Professors boasting themselves that they have published so many research papers, do ask them more specific questions on their publications, and then you will realize the weakness of a free-rider.
Free riders at students’ level will enjoy the benefit of case analysis, seminar presentations or any group assignment/activity, by not actively contributing or nil contribution to the assignment given. For these kinds of student free-riders, the professor has to explode the free-riders and tell them what to do and what not to do.
What is the cause and effect out of these free riders? Free riders are there because, they are basically (a) lazy / lethargic in nature (b) pampered child at home (c) They have grown the habit & enjoys the benefit all time, by others effort (d) lack of confidence & skill
If you closely watch them, at many a times they may keep on encouraging you in private and in front of others, just to seek the benefit of being a free ride for all your efforts.
How to discourage them? Practice assertiveness to say “no” to those free riders when they want to join you for some activity, do develop more perseverance, and do not enjoy their company if they try to praise you without a reason or logic.
We like it or not, free riders will continue their ride, it’s the duty of the driver to discourage and avoid such free-riders.
Prof. M. Subramanian,
Asst. Professor (Finance),
Thiagarajar School of Management, Madurai.