Network relations and governance of sectoral associations: Impact on legislation process

Organised Civil Society has always been in a struggle for achieving a place in policy making, especially after the establishment of multi party system of the Republic of Turkey, which is the follower of a great empire of 621 years, of which last 2 centuries face the vicious circle of, "decline in all areas-battles-modernisation efforts to stop decline- resistance to modernisation – democratic initiatives – pressure of the monarchs" and so on. The interruptions of democracy starting in 1960 till 15 July 2016, with almost every decade repeating coup detats or coup attempts could not stop, but slow down the progress of organised sivil society movement. Same path has been followed by the business society organizations during the republican period. In addition to the newly established chambers, unions, foundations, etc,, sectoral differentiation efforts in organizations which started in 1950's with the associations founded in pharmaceuticals and construction sectors moved in parallel with the developments in Turkey's and World economy. Relations with the then called European Economic Community, dependency on petroleum, emerging urbanization, shifting economy to industry and services from agriculture and foodstuffs etc. has all brought new associations. Increasing power and efficiency by collective activity and achieving political and economic gains on behalf of their members, is the basic underlying target of existence. The best way to reach this aim, is definitely be possible by having the legislation designed according to their will. The purpose of my thesis is to reveal out the efficieny of the business civil societies in general and associations in particular. This study focuses on many subjects varying from the structure of associations, to the matters demanded, from the form of submission, to the method of submission, as well as the realization of demanded matters and the relations with the ruling authority. Istanbul, the heart of Turkey's economy, is chosen as the field of this study because of representing more than a quarter of national production and half of foreign trade. Interviews with various outsstanding associations, in addition to Chambers of Trade and Commodity Exchange, as well as my personal expreience as an association Secretary General has shaped this thesis.