Digital Engagement As A Mechanism For Digital Transformation: An Exploratory Study Of The Performing Arts
Genre
Thesis/DissertationDate
2019Author
Ford, Vincent BAdvisor
Mandviwalla, MunirCommittee member
Hill, Theodore L.Schuff, David (David Michael)
Kunkel, Thilo
Department
Business Administration/Management Information SystemsSubject
Arts ManagementInformation Technology
Management
Arts Administration
Digital Engagement
Digital Strategy
Digital Transformation
Engagement
Performing Arts
Permanent link to this record
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/2870Metadata
Show full item recordDOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.34944/dspace/2852Abstract
From changing consumer relationships to demands for new experiences, performing arts institutions are under increasing pressure to embrace digital transformation. Technology is altering how audiences engage with the arts. Preferences and consumption habits are rapidly evolving. Strategies to sustain existing formats, customers, and revenue models are unlikely to succeed. Cultural institutions in general and performing arts such as orchestras, ballets, and operas are rapidly adopting technology – with millions of social media followers, streaming services, and online ticketing. Yet, these initiatives are fragmented, hard to assess, and there is very little known on how to digitally transform performing arts institutions overall. This research asks: What are the mechanisms driving digital innovation in performing arts institutions, and specifically in orchestras? The research approach includes three qualitative studies, which use a semi-structured questionnaire with fifty performing arts organizations. Study 1 explores the overall practice of digital innovation in the performing arts. Study 2 more specifically examines the role of engagement as a mechanism to understand digital transformation in the performing arts in general, and orchestras in particular. Study 3 maps the mechanisms of digital engagement to uncover digital transformation in the performing arts and defines engagement. This research makes several contributions to theory and practice by identifying the performing arts as an important area for applying digital transformation. A research framework was developed through synthesis of performing arts, innovation, business model, and engagement literature. Engagement was defined and identified as an important construct for digital transformation. The components, development, instantiation, and impact of engagement were elaborated in a set of propositions that summarize the role of digital transformation in the performing arts. Finally, the research provides recommendations and action items for arts administrators.ADA compliance
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