Russian IT Management: Features of National Team Leadership
Managing an IT team in Russia isn’t just translating Western practices. It’s a unique mix of Soviet legacy, post-Soviet adaptation, and modern approaches. Let’s explore what works and what doesn’t.
Cultural Context
Hierarchy vs Equality
Western approach: flat structure, everyone on first-name basis, accessible CEO Russian reality: respect for hierarchy, but informality within team
// Western style
type Team struct {
Members []Developer // Everyone equal
}
// Russian style
type Team struct {
Lead Developer
Seniors []Developer
Middles []Developer
Juniors []Developer
}
Why: Soviet legacy + respect for experience. Works if doesn’t turn into bureaucracy.
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