Public perception of governors’ reputation in the regional model ‘center–periphery’[Особенности Восприятия Населением Репутации Губернаторов В Региональной Модели «Центр–Периферия»]

The article presents the results of the sociological study (survey) of the reputation of Russian governors. Reputation is considered as a resource of regional governance and internal political consolidation. The study aimed at identifying the features of the real and ideal reputational ‘portraits’ of governors based on the model ‘center–periphery’ at the intra-regional level (perception by residents of regional centers and districts — urban and rural areas). The survey revealed a predominantly positive orientation of the real reputation of governors with even more positive perception by the residents of the periphery, and the unity of characteristics that constitute both real and ideal portraits of governors. The ideal reputational portrait compared with the real, mosaic one is more integral in terms of the presence of significant characteristics. The author identifies the most important of them, which constitute the governors’ reputation core in the regions under study. The article considers the value gaps between the real and expected combinations of reputational elements focusing on the population’s request for an ‘ideal’ governor; and shows the differences in the perception of governors’ reputation in regional centers and districts. Thus, the study provides some reference points for a more effective governors’ reputational management — as based on the public opinion and expectations.