Социальные лифты в органах местного самоуправления Пензенской области (по результатам исследования сотрудников администрации района в городском округе)

Abstract

The paper discusses the recruitment of municipal employees into local government and their career advancement by a case study of a district admin-istration in a city district of Penza region. Focus group results help reveal several aspects of local government recruitment. The study involved 20 district officials. The authors reveal that previous government-related employment and sup-port from the head or staff of the organization (protégé-based employment) are the most significant factors that affect local gov-ernment recruitment in Penza region. The motives to be employed and work as municipal officials are considered. A steady income and the prestige of the profession are the most important factors for them. Respondents highlighted the cases of unfair career development of several employees because of cronyism. The paper notes that such practices distort social elevators and entail professional and career deviations in local government. Recom-mendations are made to enhance the activities of the authority under review. In particular, it is pro-posed to monitor personnel policy improvements, transform HR departments, introduce a merit-based recruitment drive, and modernize the educational system of municipal employees.