Business Ethics in a Transforming Economy: Applying the Integrative Social Contracts Theory to Russia

Abstract

Russia's economic transition in the past decade from a centrally-planned to a market-oriented economy has occurred within a dramatically changing political, social, and cultural context. The biggest shift occurred in late 1991, when more than seven decades of communist rule came to a swift end, the former U.S.S.R. was dissolved, and Russia started on a new course toward a more democratic political system and a market-oriented economy. With these changes, many new ideas, attitudes, and practices have emerged; yet, numerous influences from the past continue to affect the thoughts and behavior of most Russians.' These converging forces have evoked much uncertainty regarding the interpretation of what constitutes ethically acceptable behavior for Russians, including those involved in business. In this confusing