Informal Practices in the Making of Professionals: The Case of Engineers in Soviet and Post-Soviet Azerbaijan

Ergun, Ayça; Sayfutdinova, Leyla

doi:10.1177/0950017020947581

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Formal and informal structures, networks, and procedures are closely intertwined. Although analytically separated, these units are, in practice, inseparable, especially in the professional sphere (Ergun & Sayfutdinova, 2021).…”

Section: Elites Of Azerbaijanmentioning

confidence: 99%

Devoid Elites and the Need for a New Elite Configuration: An Analysis of Post-Soviet Societies on the Example of Azerbaijan

Gerlich

2023

J Ethn Cult Stud

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This paper provides a comprehensive study of the Azerbaijani ruling elites. This study aims to describe the post-Soviet Azerbaijani elites, their interaction, and their influence to elaborate a basis for studying the impact on the government and the economy. The study focuses on the definition and origin of the Azerbaijani elites after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the analysis of their interactions, and the definition of behavior and hierarchy. The study relies on Higley and Burton’s (2006) elite configurations framework and Wedel’s (2003) concept of clans. It draws on qualitative analysis and applies analytical autoethnographic approaches to analyze and interpret the information received. The study used data from 113 informal dialogue interviews with those who worked closely with the elite and the elite representatives. These data provided detailed descriptions of their life and behavior in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The total number of respondents was 1,817 people. Not all elites have equal access to power. Some, called “hyperagents,” control most decisions. Others, whom the author defines as “devoid elites”, have very little or no real power, although they have some privileges that the elites are endowed with in society. The researcher proposes a new elite configuration entitled “imposed unity elites”, which better describes the majority of Azerbaijani elites. This elite configuration implies the existence and behavior of devoid elites. It also describes elites that seem to be united in public but lacks any basic ideology or common goals. The research contributes to the further development of Higley and Burton’s (2006) framework of elite configurations and the theory of the influence of elites. The possible application of the obtained research results will allow scientists to better understand the development characteristics of the elite configuration in the post-Soviet space and their impact on the state.

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Section: Elites Of Azerbaijanmentioning

confidence: 99%

Devoid Elites and the Need for a New Elite Configuration: An Analysis of Post-Soviet Societies on the Example of Azerbaijan

Gerlich

2023

J Ethn Cult Stud

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Family First: An Integrative Conceptual Review of Nepotism in Organizations

Schilpzand,

Lagios,

Restubog

2024

Human Resource Management

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Workplace nepotism, the preferential treatment based on kinship or familial ties, is a pervasive phenomenon that permeates every corner of our global workforce, transcending cultures, countries, industries, and organizations. Despite its ubiquitous presence, research on nepotism remains fragmented and scattered, with diverse disciplines seldom converging or cross‐referencing one another. In this integrative review, we synthesize, integrate, and critically assess the extant body of knowledge about workplace nepotism. Our aim is to provide HR scholars with a panoramic view of the known, the unknown, and the uncharted territories to move the field forward. To this end, we first provide a clear conceptualization of nepotism, setting it apart from closely related constructs. Second, we offer a comprehensive review of empirical evidence that summarizes the antecedents, consequences, and theoretical foundations of nepotism. Importantly, our review adopts an actor‐centric perspective, advocating that three main sets of actors are meaningfully involved in nepotism (i.e., instigators, beneficiaries, and third parties), thereby contributing to theory by showing that nepotism may differentially relate to outcomes depending on which actor's perspective is taken. Third, we identify the shortcomings related to theory, methods, and measures, while identifying best practices. In particular, we offer insights into how future scholarship may meaningfully extend this literature. Finally, we provide evidence‐based guidelines for how organizations and their leaders may develop and refine their policies regarding the hiring, promotion, evaluation, and compensation of family members and relatives.

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Informal Practices in the Making of Professionals: The Case of Engineers in Soviet and Post-Soviet Azerbaijan

Cited by 2 publications

References 48 publications

Devoid Elites and the Need for a New Elite Configuration: An Analysis of Post-Soviet Societies on the Example of Azerbaijan

Devoid Elites and the Need for a New Elite Configuration: An Analysis of Post-Soviet Societies on the Example of Azerbaijan

Family First: An Integrative Conceptual Review of Nepotism in Organizations

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