THE TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AT MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATIONS: A RESEARCH ON STRATEGIC PLANS OF AEGEAN REGION PROVINCES’ MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATIONS IN TURKEY

Abstract

Total Quality Management (TQM) launched to be used at local government structure by the 1990s onwards in Turkey. Local governments, especially the municipalities, have been facing with numerous problems at service provision in Turkey. TQM is generally mentioned as an approach that is generating positive results for municipal administrations such as strengthening the municipalities in respect of effectiveness and efficiency, improving the quality of the local services, and facilitating municipalities in maintaining their power. The first objective of the study is to search the emergence of TQM for municipalities in Turkey with the examination of key projects and five-year development plans. In the second step, the TQM significance for local governments has been searched and the key benefits of TQM on municipal administrations in Turkey have been defined. Thirdly, strategic plans of Aegean Region provinces’ municipal administrations in Turkey have been evaluated in terms of TQM reflection to their strategic planning processes.