Expectations and experiences of group conflict during military training exercises and their impact on deployment self-efficacy: the role of positive psychological capital

Purpose: This study aims to explore the intrapersonal underpinnings of conflict transformation and expression during military deployment exercises. Design/methodology/approach: The authors collected data just before the onset and right after the ending of a military deployment training attended by several military units that were engaged in various operational exercises. The authors evaluated positive psychological capital (PsyCap) as well as expectations of task and relationship conflict before the deployment (N = 116 participants) and the experience of task and relationship conflict as well as deployment self-efficacy evaluated just after the deployment (N = 84). Findings: PsyCap buffers conflict transformation and expression during military deployment. Relationship conflict reduces deployment self-efficacy evaluated after the deployment. Research limitations/implications: The findings have implications for the development of personal strengths such as PsyCap and deployment self-efficacy, as well as for conflict management in military settings. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature on micro foundations of conflict emergence and explores the intrapersonal factors that impact conflict expression and transformation during military exercises.