ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses precisely on the group of actors, namely, general directors (CEO) of locally-controlled Russian companies, as such a group seldom becomes an object of analysis, and very rarely in terms of 'Transformation and Globalization'. It addresses what is the extent of aspirations towards international markets among CEOs of various Russian industries? what are the initial conditions for such aspirations, in terms of perceived competitive positions and key competencies of their companies? The chapter also addresses how expansion in international markets is conjoined with other goals of top management? how are CEOs' aspirations translated into real actions in terms of business innovations? do export aspirations of CEOs affect their leadership styles? It explains these issues using the results of a large-scale survey of Russian company managers. A number of studies suggest that most Russian industrial companies are controlled by their top management, especially by general directors.
