A Model Proposal for the Training of Senior Public Administrators in Turkey

Abstract

Public administrators occupy a pivotal role in the effective functioning and success of public institutions, particularly within the context of Turkish public administration. They are instrumental in translating governmental policies into actionable institutional strategies, ensuring interdepartmental coordination, and enhancing organizational performance. A competent public administrator not only allocates resources equitably, transparently, and efficiently, but also upholds the principles of public interest and democratic accountability. By fostering employee motivation and institutional cohesion, administrators contribute directly to the quality and continuity of public service delivery. Especially in times of crisis, they are expected to make timely, inclusive decisions and formulate strategic responses that align with the institution’s overarching mission and values.

In this regard, the role of public administrators extends beyond routine management; it involves strategic leadership, long-term planning, and adaptability to dynamic governance environments. As the demands placed on public institutions grow in complexity—both in Turkey and globally—the need for highly qualified, strategically minded, and socially responsive public administrators becomes increasingly urgent. This necessitates a comprehensive and sustained approach to administrative education and professional development.

The objective of this study is to propose a model for the establishment of a national public administration academy in Turkey dedicated to the training of senior public administrators. The study adopts a qualitative methodology based on document analysis and descriptive evaluation of historical and institutional developments in the field of public administration education.

Historically, Turkish public administration has relied on structured systems for cultivating high-level bureaucratic leadership. The Enderun School, established in the 14th century during the Ottoman Empire, stands as an early example of elite administrative training. In the modern era, the Mülkiye School, founded in 1859, served a similarly foundational role in preparing civil servants and continued to influence administrative education into the Republican period. More recently, two key institutions addressed the need for advanced training: the National Security Academy (active until 2012), and the Institute of Public Administration for Turkey and the Middle East (TODAİE), which provided graduate-level education to mid- and high-level civil servants until its closure in 2018. Despite the valuable contributions of these institutions, their absence has created a significant void in the centralized training of senior public officials.

This study argues that the current lack of a central institution for the education and training of high-level administrators constitutes a critical gap in Turkey’s administrative capacity. To address this shortcoming, the study proposes the establishment of a Public Administration Academy operating under the auspices of the Presidency. The proposed model outlines the institutional structure, curriculum design, and post-graduation appointment mechanisms of the academy, with attention to the evolving administrative, political, and socio-economic context of Turkey.

The envisioned academy aims to cultivate a new generation of public leaders equipped with advanced administrative competencies, ethical governance principles, and a deep understanding of the socio-political dynamics of the society they serve. Through a structured and merit-based educational framework, the academy would contribute significantly to enhancing the strategic capacity and responsiveness of public administration in Turkey. By institutionalizing high-quality administrative education, the proposed model seeks to bridge the gap between managerial practice and strategic governance, ultimately fostering more effective, inclusive, and accountable public institutions.