Russian corruptionist: sociological dimension

Abstract

The article describes the current situation concerning the corruption in modern Russia. To investigate the subject, a sociological survey involving 169 state officials was conducted in May and July 2013. The officials played a role of internal experts assessing the level of corruption. The major conclusion is that the main factor that promotes corruption is the moral decay of contemporary Russian society. Based on the data analysis, a general portrait of Russian corruptionist with its basic characteristics was determined. To achieve this, a group of potential corruptionists was singled out from the general group of experts according to motives to enter civil service. The author conducted analysis of differences in the evaluations of the spread of corruption in different expert groups as well as its typical forms, factors that cause corruption in public bodies, the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. According to the author, the social portrait of corruptionist is as follows: he/she represents less than 25% (absolute minority) in the total mass of civil servants; mainly male belonging to the most productive age group (30-49), predominantly lawyer with a short-term work experience (3-5 years) in the state bodies. He/she is really focused on the reproduction of the model of «life success», regarded as consumerism, pursuing gain at any cost, cynicism, and hypocrisy. The greatest concern of corruptionist comes from the possible break-up of the existing system of the “negative” personnel selection where only useless unsuitable persons are appointed top officials. Forming negative attitudes toward corrupt practices and revival of traditional values on a national scale would be possible solutions to overcome corruption.