Cultural Influences on Decision-Making Preferences in Australian and British Amateur Choir Rehearsals

Abstract

Although the precise nature of a conductor’s “authority” remains somewhat obscure and use of the word in various commentaries and studies is rarely defined or standardised, it is largely agreed that the making of musical decisions and the way in which they are made are important aspects of it. Furthermore, existing research outside music research literature has suggested that different cultures respond to authority in different ways. With this in mind, this thesis examines whether different cultures prefer different systems of decision-making during rehearsals: either conductor-only (the conductor makes all the decisions without consultation); or group-input (members of the ensemble can make suggestions, offer input and engage in open discussion), and whether these preferences reflect prevailing cultural attitudes and traits. 509 participants from both the United Kingdom and Australia completed an online survey canvasing their attitude to these two broad decision-making systems. A summated-ratings methodology was employed using a Likert-type scale. Open-ended comments were also invited. Responses more in favour of conductor-only decision-making (autocratic) were given higher values whilst responses more in favour of group-input (democratic) were given lower scores. According to literature, Australian culture differs to British in a number of key areas, including a strong anti-authority sentiment, low levels of obedience, lower Power Distance (the distance between different levels of management or other organisational structures) and most importantly a society shaped by a sense of egalitarianism. Therefore, it was hypothesised that Australians would be more in favour of group-input decision-making – something considered to be itself more egalitarian – as opposed to one person at the front making all the decisions. Findings revealed that this was not the case. In fact, although the level of agreement/disagreement to the statements for the two countries was very similar, the Australian summated scores were generally higher than those of the British, meaning they were more in favour of a conductor-only system. The reasons for this are not immediately clear. But with many of the differences in scores between the countries being significant, there would appear to be an effect present worthy of further investigation. A number of potential reasons for the findings are offered. It is hoped, that in addition to investigating any differences in response to conductor authority between the two countries, valuable insight might also be gained into general preferences and opinions on the successful running of rehearsals. In terms of asking choristers directly about how much, if any, discussion is helpful, what type of discussion and when, how those that persistently call out in rehearsals are viewed, this research, it is believed, is the first to do so with such scope. This is important for the day-to-day running of effective and efficient rehearsals and in the avoiding of ill-feeling and animosity amongst group members. Ultimately it is hoped that this research will result in better performance outcomes and more enjoyable experiences for amateur singers.