Developing an Innovative Style of Thinking and Innovative Behavior

Russia is currently attempting to create a modern, innovative economy, which requires a new type of worker and a new, more cooperative style of management. Twenty years of Russian market reforms have clearly shown that one of the most serious obstacles to creating an innovative economy in Russia is to change the totalitarian style of thinking. A person needs to be considered as more than a means to achieve economic goals. This paper aims to describe some aspects of the social, economic and organizational changes occurring in Russia and one way out of the current predicament: using a constructivist approach to education in order to develop the innovative competencies of people. In this action research a presumption is made that changes in mentality and patterns of behavior are required for both managers and workers. Style of management in organizations should change in a manner that would support the creation of an innovative society.