Yanina Matsegora
PhD in Psychology, Senior Researcher, senior research. National Academy of the National Guard of Ukrainan
ORCID 0000-0001-6103-1466
Olexandr Kolesnychenko
Doctor of Science in Psychology, senior researcher, professor. National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine
ORCID 0000-0001-6406-1935
Serhii Leshchenko
Аssociate professor of doctoral and postgraduate studies, National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine
ORCID 0009-0001-2526-5182
DOI - https://doi.org/10.52363/dcpp-2023.2.5
Keywords: values, psychological traumatization, serviceman, service and combat activity, combat experience, values, post-traumatic stress disorder.
The study's results identified the expectations of subordinates of combat and logistics units regarding the image of an effective immediate commander (junior officer). The study involved servicemen of combat units (203 people) and logistics units (154 people), private and non-commissioned officers performing tasks in the combat zone under the supervision of junior officers. All participants in the study have been involved in defense of the homeland since the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, on February 24, 2022. Accordingly, two comparison groups were formed.
It has been determined that the images of junior officers, according to subordinates of combat units, can be divided into three groups of characteristics that determine their effectiveness: passion, ability to deeply ethical professional communication and to create a patriotic space around their unit. Logistics subordinates believe that such groups of characteristics as the ability to maintain a "symbiotic relationship" with subordinates, to create a safe space (space of trust) within the unit, and to act in a situation of uncertainty are important for the effectiveness of a junior officer. The requirements of subordinates of combat units are deeper, he is expected to be the one who will discover the meanings for which one can go to death, form an ethical atmosphere of interaction, and change the meaning of the space, which will contribute to the unity and safety of those in it, etc. Expectations from the leaders of combat and rear units are somewhat polarized in terms of "transformational - transactional" leadership. This polarization is likely to be a consequence of the "meaning load" to which the activities of combat unit commanders, who realize their functional responsibilities in conditions of intense threat to life, are subjected.