Corruption phobia as a factor in reducing managerial initiative among the officials in the «state - society» environment

The article is focused on the phenomenon of corruption phobia among the officials of the Russian Federation as a phenomenon that reduces the level of managerial initiative, inhibits the creative approach of modern bureaucracy to professional activities, and blocks constructive dialog between the state and society. According to the authors, “corruption phobia” means the fear of committing a domestic or professional action that could be considered a corruption offense or a violation of anti-corruption legislation, which would be followed by appropriate punishment. However, this fear leads to the suppression of aspirations for social interaction and causes a decrease in managerial initiative and responsiveness among officials. The phenomenon of corruption phobia is considered by the authors in the context of analyzing the differences between systemic and demonstrative options for countering corruption in the state. In conclusion, the authors formulate necessary adjustments to a number of areas of state and regional anti-corruption policy (in terms of coverage of the topic in the media and the Internet, the content of educational activities), including in relation directly to officials.