Decision-making process in public organizations: Ombudsman Institution case

Just as private individuals, organisations also encounter with the act of decision-making many times to maintain their entities. Making a right and timely decision plays an important role in serving effectively and efficiently in public administration. Today decision making, both in theory and in practice, is accepted as an essential element of management science and processes of management. In this regard, decision making in public management is an important administrative action. Developments leading rapid changes in social, political and administrative bodies must be met with effective and rational decisions with the same pace and consistence. The subject of this study is " The Process of Decision Making in Public Organisations: The Case of Ombudsman Institution". The aim of this study is to evaluate attitude and behaviours of lead auditor and auditors who are working at Ombudsman Institution by analyzing their decision making processes. This study looks for an answer to the question of whether Ombudsman Institution's decision making processes can be a role model for other institutions. Theoretical background of this study is put together within the frame of information attained from literature review. This research adresses the types of decision making, the phases of decision making process and factors affecting this process and examines organizational structure and operations of Ombudsman Institution. Using consensual qualitative research method,, the lead auditor and other auditors were asked semi-structured questions in face to face interviews and with this it is aimed to show how the process of decision making works at Ombudsman Institution. In consequence of obtained findings, it can be ascertained that the Ombudsman Institution is a great example for other institutions in terms of decision making processes and methods. Key Words: Public Management, Decision Making, Ombudsman Institution.