(University of Oregon, 2020-02-27) Young-Jelinek, Wade; Lambert, Patricia
This study examines issues and attitudes of performing arts leadership relating to labor productivity within performing arts facilities. Current theory relating to the labor economics of the performing arts prominently refers to a phenomenon called the cost disease that considers increases in labor productivity to be elusive throughout the sector. This same cost disease has been applied to the healthcare sector. However, leaders in the healthcare industry have been applying operations management methodologies, predominantly in the form of Lean production techniques to increase labor productivity. This study questions whether it could be possible to apply Lean methods in performing arts facilities without affecting artistic outcomes. Findings suggest that yes, it could be possible, but organizational diversity and existing organizational cultures within the sector could make such an application difficult to apply sector wide.
