How do orchestra managers effectively include the musicians in decision-making and create a positive organizational culture?
Though not often discussed among arts leaders - due I think partly to the daily rigours of managing a nonprofit arts organization - performing arts literature does address the need for open collaboration in arts organizations. Below are a few examples:
In Organizational culture and creative processes Boerner and Gebertd etermined that
”an open organizational culture, in which each individual considers herself or himself not an object but a subject, enhances the development of creative impulses. That is because everybody thinks he or she is able to change something” In this way, communication throughout the organization becomes a key aspect of organizational culture and ideals”.
An article written by Semour and Robert Levine in April 1996, Stress and Discontent in the Orchestra Workplace notes that when members of an organization have control in decision-making, they are also more likely to have increased motivation and satisfaction in their working environment. Therefore,
”an overall lack of control over internal decision making has been argued as a significant cause for internal orchestra tension”.
Recall the inherent tension?
So, my current mission is to discover performing arts organizations that utilize a collaborative structure and analyze the effectiveness of their decision-making.
My list keeps growing, but currently showcases these organizations:
- Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
- C4
- Louisiana Philharmonic
- Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
- Salem Chamber Orchestra
- Columbus Symphony
I am keen to discover new collaborative or musician-run organizations. Please help add to my list!
By investigating the positive and negative aspects of these organizational structures and cultures, I hope to discern how symphonies can utilize collaborative techniques.
Stress in the work environment including tense union negotiations between orchestra musicians and management as well as a lack of control over decisions creates inherent tension in symphonies. I believe that there are ways of mitigating this tension through different management structures.
The main question is: Are collaborative symphony orchestras sustainable?
This theory will be tested and evaluated through case studies posted on this blog. I particularly enjoy feedback which is vital to continue this conversation and implement positive change in the field.
