Эффективность муниципальной власти в оценках локальных элит

Журнал социологии и социальной антропологии. 2026. Т. 29. № 3. С. 57–89.

Чирикова А. Е., Ledyaev V. G.

This article presents the outcomes of an empirical study of power and leadership
in four small Russian towns in the Ivanovo region, conducted in two stages, in 2023 and
2025–2026. The main research method is in-depth interviews (95 in total) with key actors
in local politics. The study focused on the effectiveness of municipal government as
perceived by local and regional elites. The outcomes of the study show that urban elites’
perceptions of the effectiveness of power and governance are broad and varied; strong
leaders focus on achieving goals, weak leaders on meeting the needs of residents.
Assessments of government effectiveness were built around three aspects of efficiency:
managerial, economic, and political. It was found that, according to local elites, the
success of municipal governments is most influenced by the presence of a strong leader
and well-coordinated teamwork. Strong leaders were less likely than weak leaders to refer
to unfavourable circumstances, even though they were well aware of the objective
difficulties that municipalities face. All respondents are confident that the key to the
success of municipal authorities is well-established cooperation with business.
Assessments of the role of regional authorities as a factor in municipal governance
effectiveness were less consolidated, as not all of their actions had a positive impact on
municipal performance. The perceptions of efficiency among businessmen both coincide
with and differ from the assessments of municipal leaders. Businessmen are more longterm
oriented, while municipal leaders focus primarily on day-to-day achievements.

Keywords: власть, малые города, power, городская политика, urban politics, small towns, effectiveness power and government, эффективность власти и управления