The applicability of performance management to Turkish public administration within the framework of harmonisation with the European Union

Given that the private sector and public administration are not so different from each other, the idea of applying the successful applications implemented in the private sector to the public administration thereby achieving effectiveness, efficiency and productivity has provided a new insight in performance management techniques. While work on applying the performance management technique in public administration has been on-going in some countries for a long period of time, it has been applied only for a short period, parallel to strategic management, in Turkish public administration. However, difficulties are experienced in the application of this technique to public administration in the manner indicated in theory, and a long and difficult process is needed in identifying performance metrics, measurement and evaluation stages. To overcome these difficulties, the establishment of the infrastructure of this technique in other countries and its applicability need to be observed. Ensuring the effectiveness of Turkish public administration has been a driving force in the accession process to the European Union (EU). Having identified the principles in its own organisational structure as well as in the name of effectiveness, for the management systems of member states and candidate countries, the EU has requested that Turkey, as a candidate country, not only accept but at the same time implement in having these principles operable within the various acquis headings. While the implementation of these regulations requested by the EU pass into law, it is thought that not much attention has been given of its suitability to the Turkish public administration system. In this study, it is tried to be examined the applicability of performance management tecniques that are regarded as one of the means to ensuring effectiveness in public management especially in Turkish public management. It is, also attempted to be evaluated whether the European Union has an effect on applicability process of performance management tecniques or not, seen performance management tecniques has difficulty about applicability in public management and there is not enough information about its applicability to Turkish public management. In interviews relating to these techniques, the view has been expressed that the infrastructure necessary for its implementation is not ready at the present time. In addition, it has been emphasized that in order to ensure the application of these techniques, first a change in management culture and mentality is necessary. In conclusion, in order to implement the performance management technique to Turkish public administration, the necessary infrastructure and time are needed. Key Words: 1. Performance Management 2. New Public Management 3. European Union 4. Turkish Public Administration 5. Strategic Management.