Public attitudes toward business in contemporary Russia: influence of economic policy and opportunities for corporate response

This article, based on public polls conducted in Russia in recent years and the analysis of relations among the state, business and society by Russian and foreign researchers, presents a step-by-step consideration of public opinion about business and the reasons for the formation of negative trends in this sphere; the influence of different aspects of economic policies (such as privatisation, tax policy, anti-monopoly policy and protection of consumers' rights, and combating corruption) on business activity and on the population's views on business; and the reaction of business to the negative attitude of society. The concluding part of the article identifies those social groups and economic and political players (federal and regional authorities, oligarchic and non-oligarchic big business, trade associations, NGOs and independent think tanks) who are capable of influencing opinion about business and also analyses their possible actions in the medium-term future.