Taking the lead: a qualitative study of expert docent characteristics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of docent expertise and answer the question: What are the characteristics that define an expert docent? A basic interpretive approach was employed using documents, observations, and in-depth interviews with 12 participants from four historically themed museums. Inductive analysis revealed that expert docents possess the characteristics of having extensive subject matter knowledge – utilizing prior experiences, adaptability, enthusiasm and commitment, as well as a sense of humor. Based on these findings, the implications for museum practitioners and scholars are discussed, with particular attention paid to ways of enhancing and cultivating these characteristics in docents in order to develop expertise.

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