The Activity Approach as a Resource for the Development of the Psychological Theory of Loyalty to the Group of Belonging

Abstract

Objectives. The article describes an attempt to overcome the contradictions in the theory of loyalty by applying the traditional Russian approaches which have been successfully used for solving of scientific problems which are contiguous with loyalty. Background. The study is necessary for the formation of a unified conceptual base for further systematizing of research of loyalty and comparison of their results. Methodology. Based on provisions of the activity approach (L.S. Vygotsky, S.L. Rubinstein, A.N. Leontiev, А.V. Petrovsky etc.), a conceptual solution of the loyalty problem is proposed. Integrative conception of loyalty as a person’s participation in group at interconnected levels of self-determination, group emotions, as well as motivation, orientation and processes of group activity was developed by implementation of category of “activity” into a theoretical analysis. It has allowed to consider the psychological and behavioral aspects of loyalty, as well as its individual and social levels, in a holistic way within the framework of the general loyalty concept. It allowed developing the general concept of loyalty with provisions concerning system-forming factors of loyalty, dynamics and mechanisms of its development, ways of its diagnostics and correction, and possibility of coexistence of loyalties. Conclusions. The paper argues the consideration of the leading activity of the group as a system-forming factor of loyalty. A general conclusion about possibility of applying the activity approach for research of loyalty is done.