Articles on organizational culture in Russia:

Note:  If highlighted, follow the hyperlink to the full-text article; if full-text is not available, contact the information center for a copy of the article.

Most of the features of modern Russian business are transient, determined by the transnational character of the Russian economy and drastic changes in the social structure, ideology and consciousness of Russian society in general.  The influence of changes in the social-economic system has been ambivalent for social morals.  However, reforms could stimulate their improvement.  The recent development in the cultural environment of business testifies to the emerging space of civilized business, which manifests that it is practically useful for businessmen to be ethical.

Can American management concepts work in Russia? A cross-cultural comparative study
Elenkov, Detelin S
California Management Review   v40n4  pp: 133-156
Summer 1998

Abstract:

A paper examines the main cultural differences and similarities between American managers and their Russian counterparts.  It also explores the applicability of familiar American management concepts concerning leadership styles, motivation approaches, performance appraisal systems, systems for strategic planning, and organizational configurations in the context of the Russian culture.  Certain
American management concepts - such as legitimate power-based leadership style, employee relations policies, gainsharing, appraisals based on work team performance, strategic improvising, and strategic alliances - can be successfully put into practice in Russia.  Differences in managerial values between these 2 countries, however, require that the application of American management approaches in Russia be carried out patiently and systematically.

Contrasts in culture: Russian and Western perspectives on organizational change
Michailova, Snejina
Academy of Management Executive   v14n4  pp: 99-112
Nov 2000 

Abstract:

This article focuses on planning change in Russian companies with foreign participation. Based on extensive interviews with Russians and Westerners in 5 companies, it identifies 4 major obstacles arising in that process: the variety of roles in the change process, the need for developing common understandings, the manner in which vision is communicated in the organization, and the importance of symbols and signals in the process of planning and carrying out organizational changes. This article addresses these themes from both Russian and Western perspectives.

Training in Russia
Thach, Liz
Training & Development   v50n7  pp: 34-37
Jul 1996

Many of Russia's workers are highly educated, but they lack knowledge of Western business concepts.  As more Western firms relocate to Russia, they need to know how to tap into the local talent.  Some suggestions for training Russian workers include: 1.  Take advantage of a positive attitude.  2.  Start with basic skills.  3.  Encourage coaching.  4.  Link learning to business.  5.  Recognize the age factor.

Books on Management Culture in Russia

Dealing with the New Russia: Management Cultures in Collision, by Nigel Holden, Cary L. Cooper, Jennifer Carr, George Wright.  John Wiley & Sons, 1998.  $135.00.

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Last modified: March 03, 2002