Abstract:

This research was aimed to measure the competence of local government employees regarding information technology usage, advantages of information technology usage and the perceptions about public relations practices. Screening model was used in the study. The research population consists of the employees of Izmit, Basiskele and Gölcük district municipality. In sampling selection, easy sampling method was preferred. The sample consists of 181 employees in Izmit, Basiskele and Golcuk municipalities. It was observed that the basic technology competencies and their sub-dimensions showed a positive relationship with public relations and their sub-dimensions. It is seen that the advantage and sub-dimensions of information technologies are in a positive relationship between public relations and sub-dimensions. It has been indicated that gender, income, marital status, position and seniority do not make any difference on basic technology competencies, information technology advantage and public relations. It was observed that age and education level among demographic variables made a difference on basic technology competencies, information technology advantage and public relations. It is possible to claim that as the basic technology competence levels of the employees increase, their level of information technology advantage and public relations perception also increase. Employees must use information technologies effectively to serve citizens appropriately. It is recommended that local governments take the training needs of their employees into account.

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