Understanding Local Governments in Practice

2026-07-16

This study aims to determine the contribution of applied education in the case of Local Government, a Department of Political Science and Public Administration course. The study included role-playing-based practices that develop creativity skills within the scope of workshops. In this framework, the study question was "What is the contribution of local government course workshops on students' understanding and learning?" Qualitative research, which adopts the constructivist paradigm and argues that perspectives are essential, was adopted as the method, and action research was used as the design of this study. The study group of this research consists of 45 third-year students in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. The data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of eight open-ended questions and a semi-structured interview. Data analysis was conducted through descriptive analysis. The study revealed that the participants showed improvement in understanding and learning on the subjects of the municipal council, the council in particular provincial administrations, and village bodies. In-service training in workshops was recommended for instructors teaching local government courses.

The Strategic Transformation of Gray-Collar Workers in the Context of Industry 5.0 and Digitalization

Ebru TümenSebahattin Kılınç — 2026-07-16

This study aims to examine the position of gray-collar workers in the labor market, their roles, and their functions within organizational structures within the framework of digital transformation and Industry 5.0. Throughout industrial revolutions, production systems, working methods, and labor processes have continuously transformed; particularly with the proliferation of automation, artificial intelligence, big data, and digital technologies, the traditional blue-collar and white-collar distinction has become increasingly inadequate. In this environment of transformation, gray-collar workers, who can use technical, cognitive, and managerial skills together, are emerging as strategic actors who bridge the gap between production and management processes. Within this scope of the research, national and international academic studies published between 2009 and 2025 that focused on the relationship between digitalization, automation, and the labor market were analyzed using a systematic literature review method. In the literature, gray-collar workers are defined as hybrid actors and expert technicians who play critical roles in high-tech processes. The research reveals that digitalization is increasingly replacing routine and standardized tasks, while the demand for workers possessing both technical and cognitive competencies is rising. Despite their pivotal role in bridging production processes and management tiers, gray-collar workers are often relegated to a secondary position in human resource policies. In this regard, the study emphasizes the critical necessity of developing comprehensive human resource management strategies that center on gray-collar workers, support lifelong learning, and strengthen sustainable employment, based on Industry 5.0's human-centered approach.

International Journal of Disciplines in Economics & Administrative Sciences Studies, Year 2026 Issue Cilt 12 Sayı 3

Understanding Local Governments in Practice

The Strategic Transformation of Gray-Collar Workers in the Context of Industry 5.0 and Digitalization