ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN RUSSIA AND OTHER LARGE ECONOMIES OF THE WORLD

Abstract

The article presents a comparative analysis of governance quality in Russia and other countries in the top ten leaders in terms of GDP level (based on purchasing power parity). Based on the synthesis of international approaches, the author suggests three critical dimensions to measuring governance quality: justified and impartial state interference, effectiveness, and efficiency. The analysis is based on the data of international organizations. The article suggests that, among other countries, Russia is not leading in any of governance quality indicators. Noteworthy, while Russia's positions are comparable with those of other large countries in human development index, adjusted net savings, and the ease of doing business, the country is lagging behind most of the top ten world economies both in terms of citizen satisfaction with education and primary health services and in terms of the level of citizen protection from government-controlled risks. In the area of corruption, the gap is even more significant. Overall, the results of the comparative analysis suggest the need to undertake a system of measures aiming at improving justice, effectiveness, and efficiency of public administration in Russia based on developing and implementing a comprehensive governance quality enhancement strategy. This would allow transforming public administration into a factor supporting rather than constraining social and economic development and improving quality of life in Russia.