Abstract: The subject of this research is the transformation of management culture of the USSR under the influence of human resource policy. The goal of this article is to analyze the key features of the management culture and determine the gap between the economic goals and management priorities in historical perspective of the Russian society based on the example of formation of human resource policy in the oil and gas industry of Saratov region during the 1960-1980s. The change in the state structure or technological system is accompanied by transformations in not only management practices, but also deeper symbolic structures pertaining to such notion as management culture. The main conclusions of this research are associated with determination of potential barriers, which impeded formation of efficient economic situation in the oil and gas complex of the stated period: 1. absence of qualified personnel in the conditions of constant changes of the material and technical base; 2. transfer of best personnel to development of West Siberia and countries of the socialist camp as part of socialist duties; 3. constant involvement of personnel in non-core activities (subbotniks, congresses). Due to bureaucracy, lack of quality forecasting and inefficient usage of resources, the socialist system lead to the decay of traditional for Russia management system.