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Collaborative and democratic organizational structures in professional orchestra organizations
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Collaborative and democratic organizational structures in professional orchestra organizations

Valerie Justine Miller
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Mar 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000223
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Abstract

Arts--Management Corporate culture Organizational sociology
Demonstrated by strained union-management relationships, high rates of turnover, and declining audience attendance; the hierarchical power dynamics that have historically served as the foundation of symphony orchestra organizations have been found to create a negative impact on the orchestra field in recent years. This study utilizes interviews with musicians and administrative leaders from five professional orchestras which exemplify a shift towards collaborative and democratic organizational structures to combat the lack of unity, trust, and collaborative decision-making found in traditional symphony orchestra structures. These include the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, A Far Cry, and Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra. Collaborative and democratic practices at these organizations were found to have impacted four main areas, including committee structures, artistic planning, performance and rehearsal strategies, and organizational culture. While pointing out the unique challenges these structures present at differing organizations, this study concludes that collaborative organizational systems and structures have the potential to help orchestra staff and musicians feel more connected to the organization's mission and values, creating a work environment that fuels greater creativity and innovation, and produces a more engaging and exciting performance experience.

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