STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT APPROACH IN THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES IN TURKEY: AN ANALYSIS ON THE STATEMENTS OF MISSION, VISION AND CORE VALUES

Abstract

In this paper, it has been aimed that the strategic management approach in the metropolitan municipalities in Turkey are evaluated by examining the vision, mission and core value statements on their strategic plans which have been prepared and put into effect for the period from 2015 to 2019. Firstly, strategic management is introduced, and legislative / regulatory developments related to the strategic management approach in Turkish Public Administration are summarized in the literature review. In the methodology section, the vision, mission and core value statements specified in the strategic plans of 26 metropolitan municipalities are examined by means of 12 criteria, consisting of 4 criteria for each statement type, which have been determined according to the legislations and regulations related to strategic planning in Turkey in line with the literature. In addition, the most common values in the core value statements are determined with their frequencies by means of content analysis method. As a conclusion, it has been determined that the metropolitan municipalities in Turkey have substantially met the requirements in relation to the vision, mission and core value statements although there are some missing points such as activity area, purpose of existence, services provided, future ideals and inspirations especially in mission and vision statements. Moreover, it is observed that the metropolitan municipalities have some common values such as transparency, participative management, economical use of resources, trust, justice and equality, accountability, environment-friendly practices, commitment to history and culture, and availability for change and development.