A QUALITATIVE EVALUATION ON THE TRANSITION PROCESS FROM UNDERSECRETARY TO DEPUTY MINISTER IN THE CONTEXT OF TOP-LEVEL MANAGEMENT.

The institution of deputy minister in the Turkish Public Administration system was introduced in 2011 through Decree Law No. 643. Criticisms arose regarding the inadequacy of the deputy minister institution in certain areas. Moreover, Following the abolishment of the undersecretary institution, there are views that the void created have not been filled. This study, which aims to highlight the pros and cons of the Deputy Minister system, was conducted in collaboration with active and retired senior ministry bureaucrats who have experienced both the old and new eras. In this research, a qualitative research design, predominantly used in social sciences, was chosen. The necessary data for the research was collected through a semi-structured interview form consisting of specific questions. After the interviews, the obtained data were categorized into themes and subthemes using content analysis technique. Additionally, descriptive analysis technique was employed to include direct quotations from the interview forms. As a result of the research, four main themes were identified: "Qualities of the Deputy Minister Institution," "Qualities of the Undersecretary Institution," "Deputy Minister and Undersecretary Institutions in Terms of Institutional Sustainability," and "Recommendations for the Deputy Minister Institution." Through thematic analysis, participants emphasized that Deputy Ministers prioritizing political affairs was the most important quality, and they positively evaluated the acceleration of the decision-making process within the ministry organization. Mastery of business processes and personnel, as well as career advancement based on merit, were identified as the primary advantages of Undersecretaries over Deputy Ministers. In conclusion, participants stressed that it would be very challenging to maintain the Deputy Minister system in its current form and recommended the implementation of new regulations that incorporate the positive aspects of the Undersecretary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]