Strategic management and local governments

Although strategy was first born on the battlefield, it has evolved over time into a management science that reflects on businesses and institutions as a necessity of changing environmental conditions. Following the Second World War, the era of strategic planning began with the shift to mass production in response to increasing demand and insufficient supply. In the following years, as the number of players in the markets grew, the era of strategic competition began. After the 2000s, this continued with the era of strategy based on core competencies, where businesses discovered their unique, irreplaceable core capabilities that distinguish them from other businesses. As the science of strategic management developed, certain matrices were developed to measure the effects of uncertain environments on businesses, and these were frequently used as facilitators and strategy determinants. We can say that the most well-known of these matrices are Andrews’ SWOT Analysis and Ansoff’s Approach to Levels of Environmental Change. 

In particular, SWOT analysis has served as a guide for determining strategy, acting as a right-hand tool for both profit-oriented businesses and non-profit public institutions. We can say that this analysis, which is also frequently used in Turkey, has two stages. First, the external environment analysis, where we define how the political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental, and legal environment affects institutions and identify the threats and opportunities arising from this; and then the internal environment analysis, which focuses on the business's internal capabilities and capacity, resulting in the identification of its strengths and weaknesses. Determining new strategies for changing environmental conditions is also of critical importance for local governments to meet the expectations of the public. 

The simplest example that can be given for this issue is that an event held by the same municipality a year ago may not receive the same interest and may even cause reactions when held a year later. The reason for this reaction is that people's economic incomes have narrowed due to changing environmental conditions, and their expectations and demands have changed accordingly. In countries like Turkey, where economic and social uncertainty is very high, it is essential to frequently measure environmental impacts and make changes to strategic plans accordingly. In this context, there will also be differences between the communication language of 2-3 years ago, when living conditions were better, and the communication language of today. 

We can say that the best example suitable for environmental differentiation is “City Restaurants” (Kent Lokantaları). This initiative, which the government looked down upon and belittled for a long time, has attracted the interest of and brought a smile to the faces of citizens, regardless of their views, especially the elderly who do not have the opportunity to cook at home or citizens who have difficulty accessing a healthy meal due to economic conditions. 

In societies experiencing high inflation, social explosions, riots, and protests are very common. Considering these conditions, local governments are expected to strike a good balance between projects that provide social benefits and support, and activities that provide social activity and entertainment. Similarly, in the face of certain disasters such as fires, accidents, earthquakes, etc., local administrators using the right communication language will lead to more positive feedback from citizens who are already under economic and social pressure. 

With the support of all these scientific approaches and beyond, politicians and even local administrators are expected to have strong foresight, insight, and even clairvoyance. Following approaches, actions, and policies that are in line with the spirit of the times and the expectations of the people is only possible with this instinct. Local governments, which are full of opportunities to do sustainable work for the benefit of society by reading the world and the changing environment correctly, and most importantly, to win hearts, can turn into a disaster just as quickly with amateur and shortsighted approaches and the wrong communication language. In this context, the CHP, which is in power locally, has a great opportunity to touch the citizens, win their hearts, and be a balm for their wounds. I hope they read the spirit of the times correctly and make the best use of it.