The Bulletin of National Defence University of Ukraine

In the context of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, the study of psychological cohesion as a key factor in the management activities of military leaders, which determines the stability, combat capability and effectiveness of adaptation of units in stressful and dynamic situations, is of particular importance. The purpose of the study was to substantiate psychological cohesion as a fundamental component of military leadership and determine the role of transformational leadership style in its emergence, maintenance and development. Special attention was paid to the analysis of the relationship between cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects of cohesion, and its impact on the effectiveness of junior commanders’ management activities. A set of theoretical methods (content analysis, systematisation, generalisation, structuring of scientific approaches) and empirical methods (testing according to the Seashore Group Cohesiveness Index, expert assessment of the level of leadership qualities of junior commanders) were used. The study covered 145 cadets of the National Guard of Ukraine with various military service experience. It was established that psychological cohesion is a multicomponent phenomenon that covers cognitive, emotional and behavioural aspects of interaction. The study showed that in the first year of training, the level of cohesion was higher than in the second, which was explained by the processes of adaptation, self-affirmation, and the establishment of role positions in the group. Expert analysis confirmed that the development of managerial qualities of commanders, their ability to fairly distribute responsibilities, build trust and apply the principles of transformational leadership are key conditions for maintaining a high level of cohesion. The results of the study confirmed that psychological cohesion was not only a consequence of managerial influences, but also directly determines the effectiveness of military leadership. The introduction of transformational leadership trainings, the development of emotional intelligence of commanders, and the support of social justice in the team will contribute to improving the combat capability of the units of National Guard of Ukraine. The obtained data can be used to improve the training of junior commanders, develop programmes of military psychological support, and form an integral system of leadership competencies

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