Why they fight? Reconsidering the role of motivation in combat environments

ABSTRACT

The current combat motivation model based on primary group thesis assumes that the main force behind motivation is peer-bonding or otherwise known as unit cohesion. Cohesion is perceived as an all-encompassing factor that leads to satisfactory (or unsatisfactory in lack thereof) military effectiveness and performance in conflict environments. However, the article identifies three main problems with this perspective: 1. mono-dimensional view of motivation; 2. motivation based on heteronomy, and 3. self-reporting bias. The current model does not consider motivation as a separate entity from cohesion; it does not place motivation as fundamental human value; lastly, it takes motivation as granted by-product of socialization. The article proposes a new combat motivation model based on The Self-Determination Theory. The theory maintains that human motivation requires satisfaction of three psychological needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy. The degree of satisfaction of those three needs leads to different types of regulated motivations – a continuum from intrinsic to extrinsic – each of which has specifiable consequences for learning, performance, and well-being of an individual.

KEYWORDS:

• Combat motivation
• self-determination theory
• unit cohesion
• group behavior
• Autonomy
• Heteronomy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michal Pawiński

Dr. Michal Pawiński obtained PhD from the Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies, Tamkang University, Taiwan (R.O.C.) He has been a recipient of scholarship from the Ministry of Education and grant from the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of China in Taiwan. A member of the Department of Global Security and Strategic Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences. He is the co-author of a book People's Liberation Army: Structure, Doctrine, and Capabilities published with the Polish Academy of Sciences in 2014, and an author of articles that appeared in International Peacekeeping, Journal of Military Ethics, and Strategic Vision. His research is interdisciplinary, spanning across Social Psychology, Intercultural, and Strategic Studies.

Georgina Chami

Dr. Georgina Chami joined the UWI Institute of International Relations as a Research Fellow in 2014. Currently, she lectures on international diplomacy at the diploma and master’s levels. She is also the faculty advisor for the Harvard National Model United Nations and the Model United Nations (Model UN) Club at the UWI St Augustine campus. Dr. Chami was the recipient of a Central America/Caribbean Fulbright Visiting Scholars Award in 2010. Her research interests include peace and security, international organizations, global governance, and civil society.