Home – Home – Jornals – Region: Economics and Sociology 2025 number 1

Human activities are influenced, among other factors, by the value systems to which individuals adhere. These values develop gradually, change minimally, and depend on national, regional, and industry-specific characteristics. For the most part, their impact on people’s behavior and perceptions is stable and difficult to control. However, understanding these values and managing people effectively can enhance work efficiency. Sverdlovsk Oblast, as a distinct territory in Russia and the Urals, has a unique history and diverse landscapes, it plays a significant role in the country’s economy and industry. This has historically shaped a specific system of values among the people of the Urals, which can and should be leveraged in personnel management to improve employee performance. The purpose of this study is to identify and substantiate the key foundational values of the “mining civilization" that have emerged in the Urals and explore their application in managing personnel at regional enterprises. The research employs several methods, including a retrospective and historical analysis of industrial enterprises’ activities across different historical periods, interviews with managers of enterprises in Sverdlovsk Oblast and government officials interacting with them, and focus groups with experts in personnel management. The findings reveal that the workforce of Ural enterprises exhibits particular values that complement, rather than replace, the core values of the average Russian worker. Due to the region’s importance and historical context, workers here demonstrate a sense of selectivity and the special role of Ural enterprises in the country’s development (e.g., “The Urals as the backbone of Russia", “The Urals as the stronghold of mining civilization", “The Urals as the crossroads of civilizations "). These values are distinctive to the region’s inhabitants. Incorporating the Urals ’ unique value system into personnel management strategies can, in our view, boost employee productivity and facilitate effective career guidance for young people, encouraging them to remain in the region.