Initiative university environment as the mechanism of personnel management in transformation context

The article describes the experience of creating environment oriented towards development and self -realization of staff with high potential within the framework of International competitiveness upgrading program at National Tomsk State Research University (Project TOP 5/100). The aim of the arti- cle is to present the results of activities related to creating university initiative environment. Theoretical justification of conducted changes includes analyzing the problems of university transformation management and the role of academic and pedagogical staff in this process. It is mentioned that transformation process complicates change management at the university which leads to creation and development of its environment. It is suggested to use anthropological approach to change management and personnel management at the university where environment acts as one of important management resources. The article provides examples of the analysis of the notion "environment" which draws the difference between the environment as a set of contexts; as human attitude; as activity object; as opportunity realized through a certain subject. University environment for managing high potential personnel is viewed not only as creating a set of conditions but as provision of opportunities for action that would facilitate discovering and developing personal and professional potential. The article presents a case on developing university initiative environment that describes organization of grant competition for initiative projects, creation of expert and consultant service for supporting those projects and communicative grounds for discussing changes at the university, using shared management formats. The authors point out that initiative environment facilitates attracting and developing high potential personnel. The novelty of the article is in justification and description of anthropologic approach use in creating initiative environment oriented towards high potential personnel.