EMPLOYERS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES: RELATIONS WITH EMPLOYEES
The main purpose of this research was to study the specifics of the «employer-employee relationship «in small and medium-sized businesses from the perspective of the employer. Theoretical basis of the study amounted to classical theories of social interaction, based on the analysis that identified key characteristics of interactions of social and labour relations subject to empirical study. An empirical study conducted by semistructured interview, were made 68 employers - owners of small and medium enterprises in Nizhny Novgorod and Nizhny Novgorod region. Research focus was directed on the study of the characteristics of the interaction of employers with employees as: ways of interactions, the nature of the relationships, rules of interaction, mutual expectations аnd interactions problems. By using content analysis of transcripts of interviews were obtained results which indicate a number of specific features that characterize the interaction of «employer-employee» in small and medium-sized businesses. These features reflect the specifics of the complex and volatile situation in which today is the small and medium business in Russia. It shows a dual attitude towards their employees. On the one hand, we see a situation in which social and labor relations in general are not the main subject of interest for modern business. It is mainly concerned about the economic problems, the issue of relations with the government and its contractors. Therefore, employers are not put at the forefront of concern for their own employees. On the other hand, we see a small return to the paternalistic traditions. And a modern employer, realizing the importance of human resource especially for your small business is to the employee and the defense, and the union. Maintaining this delicate balance between its own interests, the interests of the business interests of the state and the interests of its employees is a fundamental and difficult task for small and medium-sized businesses. For the first time identified a number of features that reflect the specific relations in the small and medium business. On the one hand, social and labor relations in general are not the main subject of interest for modern business. Therefore, employers are not tied for first place concern for their own employees. On the other hand, there is a return to the paternalistic tradition is for the employer and employee advocate, and the trade union.