Contemporary Research Analysis Journal

This study examines the relationship between military morale and organizational innovation capacity within the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), with a particular focus on the 22nd Military Region of Lubumbashi. It is grounded in a work psychology perspective applied to the military field, considering that security performance and the modernization of armed forces depend as much on human factors as on material and technological resources. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research combines a psychosocial survey, direct and participant observation, structured questionnaires, and documentary analysis. The sample consists of 53 military personnel, both men and women. Quantitative data were analyzed using the chi-square test, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic content analysis.

The results reveal a strong sense of institutional belonging and notable psychological resilience among military personnel, while also highlighting several significant demotivating factors, including precarious living conditions, irregular remuneration, insufficient continuing training, a lack of professional recognition, and certain organizational constraints. These factors indirectly affect engagement, creativity, and adherence to innovative dynamics. The study concludes that sustainable military innovation cannot be dissociated from a profound reform of the human factor. It advocates for the integration of psychological support mechanisms, continuous training, and participatory leadership in order to simultaneously strengthen morale, performance, and the innovation capacity of the FARDC.

military morale, organizational innovation, security, work psychology, FARDC.

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