Evaluation of COVID-19 pandemic management in Turkey in terms of leadership behaviors: The case of Fahrettin Koca

This study seeks to answer the question, "What is the relationship between the behaviors exhibited by the leader in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and successful crisis management?". This study was conducted to reveal the role of the leader's behaviors in effectively managing the Covid-19 epidemic process in Turkey and to examine the leadership styles exhibited by Fahrettin Koca, the executive and spokesperson of crisis management communication, during the epidemic process. Within the scope of behavioral leadership theory in determining the leadership styles that are effective in crisis management, it has been revealed which behaviors managers are more successful by exhibiting. Within the scope of the study, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Fahrettin Koca's statements in the scientific committee reports and press release statements were examined. In the study, an exploratory case study was applied because the relationship between leadership styles and epidemic management was examined through the example of Fahrettin Koca using the exploratory qualitative research method. Two different data collection techniques were used within the scope of the study. Purposive sampling method was used to determine the sample. The first is a document analysis of Fahrettin Koca's statements and discourses in the scientific committee reports in the first 18 months since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, and the second is an in-depth interview technique applied face-to-face to a group of experts in the field. The data obtained within the scope of the study was analyzed using the MAXQDA program, one of the qualitative data analysis programs. In this context, it was revealed that Fahrettin Koca exhibited task-oriented leadership characteristics at a very high level among the leadership types that were effective during the crisis period. It has been determined that task-oriented leadership, which emphasizes work focus, responsibility, determination and perseverance, has a significant impact in combating the challenges posed by the Covid-19 epidemic. It has been determined that Turkey's cultural values, administrative structure and environmental factors have a significant impact on the leader's behavior. It has been revealed that Fahrettin Koca displays a trustworthy leadership profile thanks to his characteristics such as scientific, sincere, work-oriented, responsible, transparency, honesty, determination, accurate and timely information. In the effective management of the Covid-19 pandemic, the concept of trust has come to the fore in Turkish society. It has been determined that the sense of trust in the leader is one of the most important determinants of the successful management of the pandemic process.