Constructive deviance in the defence context

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. (Romans 12:2) This study addresses the question: what motivates and influences constructively deviant behaviour in the UK Defence context? It answers this question by asking interviewees, in semi-structured interviews, to reflect on two occasions when they had the opportunity to constructively deviate. By comparing the enablers and barriers from an episode in which they destructively conformed with those from one in which they constructively deviated, the research focuses on the organisational and contextual factors that affect people’s decisions to constructively deviate or destructively conform. The research suggests that individuals in the Defence context are motivated to constructively deviate to improve their immediate environment or increase operational effectiveness or efficiency. It finds that there are factors in the Defence context which influence constructive deviance that are common to those in less normative environments such as supportive leadership, felt empowerment and a sense of responsibility. It also finds that there are Defence-specific factors that influence constructive deviance such as the relative importance of leaders compared to peers, leader rhetoric, the performance appraisal system and Defence bureaucracy. The research adds to the body of knowledge through its exploration of enablers and barriers to constructive deviance and a deeper understanding of the UK Defence context.