Pavel Bazhov – War-Time Crisis Manager

This article investigates the managerial experience of P.P. Bazhov, one of the most renowned and influential writers from the Ural region. It analyzes his role as a leader and chairman of the board of the Union of Soviet Writers (1940–1950) and the impact he had on the functioning of the writers’ organization in Sverdlovsk during the Great Patriotic War. The article is based on cultural-historical, biographical, structural and comparative-historical research methods, which allows for a deeper understanding of the context and conditions in which Bazhov worked. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the attitude towards Bazhov on the part of ordinary members of the Union of Soviet Writers, famous metropolitan writers, local authorities and colleagues from other regions. The author of the article also examines the managerial aspects of Bazhov’s activities, his ability to navigate the challenging demands of wartime adversity, and his contributions to the development of Ural literature. Through this analysis, the article aims to shed light on Bazhov’s leadership style, his strategies for unifying and motivating writers under the pressures of war, and his lasting influence on the literary culture of the Ural region during a tumultuous historical period. The exploration of these dimensions not only highlights Bazhov’s achievements but also enriches our understanding of the broader socio-cultural dynamics at play during the war years, thus providing valuable insights into the interplay between literature, culture, and crisis management.