This thesis attempts to construct a cross-section of governance with a critical viewpoint and an interdisciplinary approach, with a focus to planning. Governance is discussed by underlining the diversity of the underlying processes in social sciences, regarding various recent and important aspects of theoretical and conceptual discussions and subsequently rendering them measurable within the framework of the planning agenda. This thesis constitutes an effort in planning whereby the common denominator focuses on the characteristics and implementations of &lsquo / communicative&rsquo / , &lsquo / multi-actor&rsquo / , &lsquo / good&rsquo / and &lsquo / participatory governance&rsquo / within the planning domain. Attempt has been made to evaluate the changing nature of the state-society interaction in Turkey, the transformation processes induced by social and economic restructuring and the democratization movements with respect to the implementation of governance mechanisms and principles. The main themes of the governance agenda in Turkey, the sources of the governance debate and its legitimacy have been set forth for discussion. Attempt has been made to investigate governance as a critical instrument and from a process management perspective within the context of planning and public administration. This investigation has been conducted in view of the theoretical and of the conceptual discussions related to governance, within a comparative framework, with special reference to the K&ouml / ykent approach and the rural development literature.