Group-Level and Individual-Level Mediators of the Relationship Between Soldier Satisfaction With Social Support and Performance Motivation

This research examined a model predicting soldier motivation. Line soldiers (N = 1,550) who had been members of personnel-stabilized battalions for at least 6 months responded to a questionnaire assessing perceptions of support received from peers and from leaders, identification with the work unit (company or battery), job-related self-esteem, personal adjustment, and performance motivation. Perceived leader support was a stronger predictor of performance motivation than was peer support, although both predictors demonstrated significant effects. In both cases, group-level mediation of the relationship between support and motivation was stronger than individual- level mediation. Findings indicate a need for increased emphasis on identi- fying leaders and training them in behaviors that will be seen as supportive of subordinates.