Author: Galaskiewicz, Joseph; Bulcroft, Richard; and Rauschenbauch, Barbara

Publication Year: 1978

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This paper examines various linkages between 34 corporations and 55 cultural organizations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Theoretically the interface between these two types of organizations is viewed as an exchange where the different parties secure needed resources from one another. Cultural organizations are basically after funds, while business firms are after status. We will argue that the board interlock is the key device which facilitates this exchange. We find that cultural organizations more dependent on the local community for funds are more central in the board interlock network, cultural organizations that are in competition with one another are closer to one another in the network, and corporations which are indigenous to the area are more central. Finally, doing a simple correlational analysis we find that where there is a corporate-cultural board interlock there is typically a cash contribution from the business firm to the cultural organization and an expression of moral support or legitimacy on the part of the cultural organization for the corporation.

Abstract:

This paper examines various linkages between 34 corporations and 55 cultural organizations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Theoretically the interface between these two types of organizations is viewed as an exchange where the different parties secure needed resources from one another. Cultural organizations are basically after funds, while business firms are after status. We will argue that the board interlock is the key device which facilitates this exchange. We find that cultural organizations more dependent on the local community for funds are more central in the board interlock network, cultural organizations that are in competition with one another are closer to one another in the network, and corporations which are indigenous to the area are more central. Finally, doing a simple correlational analysis we find that where there is a corporate-cultural board interlock there is typically a cash contribution from the business firm to the cultural organization and an expression of moral support or legitimacy on the part of the cultural organization for the corporation.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Private Sector