Behavioral economics approach in public policies: The case of Gaziantep

Today, with the increase in options and economic uncertainties, the decision-making processes of individuals become more complex, leading to decisions that are far from rationality. The concept of full rationality, which is accepted in traditional economic thought, has lost its validity today. Not only that there are many and complex options, but also many factors, mentally, socially and psychologically, have an effect on the decision making of individuals far from rationality. In the public policies to be implemented, it is necessary to design policies in cooperation with individuals and by analyzing their behaviors correctly. Public policy tools implemented by using monetary incentives and restrictive measures cause short-term effects on the behavior of individuals, and individuals return to the behaviors they are accustomed to after a certain period of time. For this reason, policies implemented using behavioral insights that find a place in all areas of life, from economy, education, environment and energy, offer longer-term solutions. In this study, 539 participants were reached to examine the behaviors of individuals living in Gaziantep province towards behavioral public policies. The obtained data were used from non-parametric tests, Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis H Test, and Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient to determine the relationship between dependent variables. According to the results obtained, it has been determined that individuals make choices that are far from rationality. Suggestions have been made that behavioral public policies, which will be designed in favor of individuals without interfering with their freedom by using nudge methods, will contribute to both individuals and economic growth in the long run.