In a message dated 96-08-18 15:52:40 EDT, [log in to unmask] writes:

> With all respect, the time-worn cry of employers to coal mine workers,
>  steel workers, carpenters, seamstress groups, etc. has been " if you want
>  me to give you a raise, who do I fire?"  This has been proven in the
>  history of labor relations to be a phrase, not a position.  Management has
>  always found how to raise wages without gutting industry IF labor sticks
to
>  its guns.
>
>  In the museum world it is a failure in leadership and a lack of vision
that
>  prevents management from treating its employees with greater value.
>  Universities are practical models of institutions that work with alumni
and
>  supporters to fund chairs and department positions.  A good museum
>  director, development director, and pr staff could easily approach
targeted
>  supporters to fund important positions with presitigious staff, freeing up
>  the payroll for the rest of the support staff who may not have achieved
>  national reputation.  This is hampered by the eliminating of positions and
>  replacing the functions with low-paying programming and education staffs.
>
>  We know that directors do recieve bonuses and other perks.  There is extra
>  that is out there. Money can be raised but it takes a true philanthropic
>  vision to support an important aspect of social institutionality to use
it.
>   America is making money right now.  The mutual fund market has been up as
>  much as 50.9% in this past year alone (Dreyfuss Aggressive Growth).
>  Understanding how to use business to support museums is different than
>  imitating them.  The business model fad ill serves the type of trained and
>  highly motivated staff that occupy museums.  In business, management tries
>  to up production by exploiting employees and customers.
>

Excellent commentary! Although I have participated on this thread minimally -
I would like to raise the question of turning this debate into a roundtable
discussion at AAM - it is certainly relevant, timely, and really focuses on
where museums are going in the future. Andy, what do you think? Anyone
interested in putting this together?

- Adrienne