Most workers believe that museum boards are the leading driver of institutional decisions (see fig. 3). There is an overall belief that the board’s priorities influence leadership decisions far more than a museum’s mission, the interests of neighboring communities, the input of staff, or the interests of museum visitors.

Seniority in the museum shapes workers’ perceptions of what most influences the priorities of their institutions. Compared to all other museum workers, executives are far more likely to believe that the museum’s mission drives decision making and that input from museum staff is an influential force. Museum staff, on the other hand, perceive the board to be most influential and are less likely to believe staff input drives leadership decisions.

The perceptual gap between executive and non-executive workers suggests a need for greater communication and transparency surrounding museum decision making. Museum leaders have the opportunity to better contextualize institutional decisions and priorities to those carrying out the day-to-day work of the museum—a move that would better equip workers in their respective roles while also empowering them to provide input on the future of their organizations.

Museums Moving Forward 2022-2023 Report

Read more: https://museumsmovingforward.com/data-studies/2022-2023

The Empathetic Museum. [@empatheticmuseum] (November 5, 2023). “From @michellemillarfisher. Full reports at @museumsmovingforward and Burns Halperin (@charlieburnsnyc and @juliahalperin).” [Image]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/empatheticmuseum/p/CzSHx-3P6xF/?img_index=1