Comprehensive research on functions and effective management of museums

博物馆管理之所以难以探讨，主要是因为博物馆的活动和功能相当广泛。企业管理的一个建议是使用“治理”的概念。事实证明，从以下三个角度进行讨论是有用的：操作、管理和治理。然后，我们派出调查人员到美国，采访了10多家博物馆的馆长或副馆长。通过对博物馆治理、评估以及与董事会和社区关系的信息收集，我们发现了美国博物馆的共同特点：1)明确使命，制定战略计划；2)通过定期的游客调查来衡量绩效或成果；3)利用评估结果来改进运营和管理方式。此外，美国博物馆协会和其他组织提供各种方案支持每个博物馆的管理。另一方面，日本的大多数博物馆没有明确的使命宣言。至于绩效评估，只有少数博物馆才刚刚开始工作。为了提高博物馆管理的有效性，必须在运营、管理和治理三个维度之间取得平衡和良好的协作。日本博物馆的第一步是促进博物馆管理的研究，并制定有效的计划来鼓励和支持每个博物馆的努力。

Difficulties with discussing on museum management are mainly caused by the fact that activities and functions of museums are quite extensive. One suggestion from business administration was to use a concept of "governance". It turned out to be useful to discuss from these three points of vew : operation, management, and governance.Then, we dispatched the investigators to America, and conducted interviews with directors or deputy directors of more than 10 museums. As a result of gathering information as to governance, evaluation and relationship with boards and with communities, we found common characteristics in those museums in America : 1) they articulate their mission and make strategic plans clear, 2) they try to measure performances, or outcomes, throught visitor survey on regular basis, 3) they improve ways of operation and management by utilizing results of evaluation. In addition, the American association of museums and other organizations provide various programs supporting each museum's management.On the other hand, most museums in Japan don't have clear mission statements. As to performance measurement, only a few museums have just started to work. In order to enhance an effectiveness of museum management, it's essential to balance and make good collaboration among the three dimension : operation, management and governance. The first step for Japanese museums, is to promote studies on museum governance, and to create effective programs to encourage and support each museum's efforts.