5

The aim of this paper is to consider the changes in Russian personnel management practice with reference to western management methodology. At first appearance, the Russian labour sector is observing processes similar to those in Western countries; it is establishing contract rules and procedures, is increasing all types of flexible work patterns, and is developing social partnership institutions. At the same time, the transformational nature of these processes among countries in transition, is encountering difficulties and contradictions. The choice of western theoretical approaches for the analysis of Russian personnel management practice was based both on the study of Russian bibliography on the subject, and on empirical databases, communicated in interviews with personnel mangers in Russian organizations. JEL: M12, J81, P31