Applicability of governance in local government associations: A review through "The Union of Municipalities of Turkey"

The main purpose of this search is to investigate the applicability of governance in local government associations. In the search, the concepts of governance and local government union are discussed in the light of theoretical explanations. In this search, starting from the generalization of whether the concept of governance can be applied in local government unions, the suitability of local government unions, which are accepted as a separate local government unit by some countries, and whether governance can be applied in local government unions have been investigated. In the light of the researches, it has been tried to reveal the harmony and success relationship between the Union of Municipalities of Turkey and governance. In the search, firstly, a literature review was made in accordance with the theoretical framework and the theoretical aspect of the study was conveyed from the researched sources. Adhering to the research questions that draw the theoretical framework for the research, whether local government unions have a structure suitable for implementing governance and the degree of proximity of the Union of Municipalities of Turkey to the concept of governance are discussed. A survey was conducted on the applicability of governance in the Union of Municipalities of Turkey, of which all municipalities are natural members; the data obtained were analyzed, the results were interpreted by the researcher, and the findings and suggestions were developed within the scope of the research questions. As a result of the search, it has been revealed that it is possible to apply governance in local government unions and what needs to be done in order to implement governance in local government unions and the Union of Municipalities of Turkey has been explained. Keywords: Administration, Local Government, Governance, Local Government Association, Union of Municipalities of Turkey