Development agencies in Turkey: The case of Eastern Anatolia Development Agency

The aim of the thesis is to evaluate the administrative functions and activities, and the effectiveness of Eastern Anatolia Development Agency (DAKA) in perspective of members of development committee. In this context, it aimed to investigate the emergence of development agencies which are the corporate side of regional development in the world and Turkey. In addition, the situation of the Agencies in Turkey is discussed within the framework of the law no. 5449. From the beginning of implementation of agencies, the topics such as the organizational characteristics, legal status, functions and funding sources of the agencies are included in the thesis. Also, the data related to administrative functioning of DAKA and the type of support provided by year is conveyed using DAKA database. Based on the work and support of DAKA, it is focused on the effect of agencies on the regional development. Finally, a survey was conducted for DAKA Development Board. The analysis and evaluation of the survey results, it is discovered that the agencies do not act effectively with their stakeholders, and the financial resources are not adequate. To solve these problems, agencies should use more effective communication channels with their stakeholders, increase the participation in meetings in order to increase efficiency of meetings, and the recommendation resulting from consultation should be taken into account and implemented by management committee. In this context, in order to ensure regional development more projects which are suitable for needs of the region should be supported. This study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of administrative structure and activities of the development agencies which can play a fundamental role in regional and national development. Moreover, it has introduced a number of solutions in order to expand the development agencies into more efficient structures. Key Words: DAKA, Development Agencies, Regional Development