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Mon, 19 Aug 1996 10:55:48 -0400 |
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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
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