Thesis
The winning combination: management, leadership, and values : a thematic analysis of the California Symphony
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Aug 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000303
Abstract
While the classical orchestral field struggles amid declining audiences, financial crises, and fundraising shortfalls, the California Symphony has defied industry trends. Through the implementation of their Long Haul Model, the organization has seen a 145% increase in ticket revenue, 41% increase in contributed revenue, 69% increase in new subscriber renewal rate, and a 70% increase in audience size. This study conducted an inquiry into the experiences of individuals closely involved with the operations of the California Symphony in an attempt to understand the workplace cultures, interpersonal relationships, and management styles present during the implementation of their Long Haul Model. The research seeks to uncover what factors, other than strategy and business tactics, may have contributed to the success of the California Symphony. A content-driven, inductive qualitative thematic analysis was chosen as the basis for this research. Six participants were interviewed and from that data set, three overarching themes were developed to interpret the management styles, workplace culture, and guiding principles of the California Symphony. The researcher concluded that an integrated management style paired with a thoughtful leadership approach, grounded in a values-based framework were the integral components of the orchestra's success. This project illustrates how one orchestra overcame the endemic challenges of the classical music industry through a thoughtful, holistic leadership approach and could serve as inspiration for other struggling classical music organizations.
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Details
- Title
- The winning combination
- Creators
- Katelyn Woodside - Drexel University, Arts and Entertainment Enterprise
- Contributors
- Pamela Yau (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- v, 80 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991014695134704721