Can’t or Needn’t? Study on the Factors Influencing the Research Motivation of Young Museum Professionals Under the Attribution Theory in China

Abstract

The enhancement of scientific research capabilities among museum personnel—personnel is a crucial aspect in driving the advancement of museums. However, it is observed that museum personnel in Chinese mainland, particularly the younger ones, have not demonstrated sufficient engagement in this regard. The objective of this paper is to investigate the underlying causes of this phenomena. This study employs in-depth interviews with a sample of 10 young museum personnel. The methodology is guided by Weiner’s Cognitive (attribution)-emotion-action model (CEAM) of motivation framework. The findings indicate that there are 14 elements that influence the motivation of museum personnel to engage in scientific research. These characteristics are associated with three aspects of attribution, namely Locus, Stability, and Controllability. Especially, the “external-stable-uncontrollable” and “external-unstable-uncontrollable” two attribution will serve as a catalyst for museums to enhance their efforts in optimizing the research willingness of their professionals, so facilitating the provision of sustained and immediate support.