Museums need two cultures

摘要

Corporate managers like mission statements; scientists generally don't. Academic freedom often sits uneasily alongside the goal-driven culture of the private sector. Researchers would prefer not to be told what to do. It's interesting, therefore, that scientists at the Smithsonian Institution are so proud of their mission statement — especially as they have only just welcomed the resignation of Larry Small, a leader who angered many by trying to impose a corporate ethos on the organization (see page 594).