Vitality of Strategic Museum Management: An Application from Turkish Museums

Abstract

Collecting, protecting and presenting a diverse range of objects can be considered as one of the main purposes of the museums. Similar to many other non-profit organizations, management aspect of museums is often ignored or overlooked up until the beginning of 21st century. However, with the innovative managerial practices, impact of globalization and inter-connected entertainment sector forced the museums to integrate strategic management practices into their operations. Within this context, study aims to discover the managerial perspective of the visited-oriented museums in Turkey and explore whether they are embracing or employing strategic management principles or not. To achieve this aim, 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the museum managers. Results highlights the contemporary administrative structures of Turkish museums which yields valuable information. Numerous managerial implications and future recommendations are provided for the effective management of museums.Collecting, protecting and presenting a diverse range of objects can be considered as one of the main purposes of the museums. Similar to many other non-profit organizations, management aspect of museums is often ignored or overlooked up until the beginning of 21st century. However, with the innovative managerial practices, impact of globalization and inter-connected entertainment sector forced the museums to integrate strategic management practices into their operations. Within this context, study aims to discover the managerial perspective of the visited-oriented museums in Turkey and explore whether they are embracing or employing strategic management principles or not. To achieve this aim, 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the museum managers. Results highlights the contemporary administrative structures of Turkish museums which yields valuable information. Numerous managerial implications and future recommendations are provided for the effective management of museums.