The institutional reputation of Akdeniz University according to the assessments of external stakeholders

With the rapid increase of instant information transfer in media, media organs, internet, etc.with globalization, it has been being made towards a period where it becomes difficult to distinguish quality products or services. While in the past universities organized without fears of traditional market, today this approach is changing with the increase of private and foundation universities. The ever-growing competitive environment, combined with decreasing funding sources, is forcing universities to look for new opportunities to grow. With increasing competition, universities are forced to strive to be preferred as the working environment of elite students and academics, to turn into brands that is desired and have original characteristics. For this reason, universities are increasing their investments to create a stable and positive reputation and are making efforts to interact with stakeholder groups. This research was conducted in the form of interviews with external stakeholders in relation to the University. Content analysis was carried out in the study, the results were presented with a descriptive expression and direct explanations were given a place, the findings obtained within the framework of the rising themes and patterns were classified in accordiance with the research objectives and explained and interpreted using the qualitative research package program NVIVO 12. According to the findings, despite the shortcomings in meeting the needs of the region, representing itself at national and international levels and public relations, Akdeniz University has a high institutional reputation. Keywords: Higher Education; University; Corporate Reputation; Reputation Management; External Stakeholders