IMMA Survey results: 76% of music managers had affairs with their clients!
A recent survey of 2000 music managers conducted by the Independent Music Manager’s Association (IMMA) designed to get an understanding of attitudes, concerns and issues within the independent music management community found that 76% of the respondents admitted to having had affairs with one or more of their clients. The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire between January 1st and May 31st 2002 as the association prepared to launch its business.
In the IMMA survey just over three-quarters were men, with an average age of 41; the average age of women respondents was 33. A little over 40% were married at the time or in an otherwise committed relationship. 36% had an affair with more than one client. 60% of the respondents were attracted to their clients from the very beginning. About half ended their business relationship once the affair was over.
The results are not surprising to many. According to an ELLE/MSNBC survey authored by Janet Lever, a sociologist at California State University at Los Angeles, “nine in 10 people would consider dating someone from work, and nearly half admitted to engaging in some type of sexual tryst on the job”. In addition, “given the chance at meeting Mr. or Ms. Right, women and men want to go for it”.
Some of the disturbing findings from the IMMA survey were that 81% of the managers did not have a contract with their clients and 40% could not explain their management roles. In addition, 53% responded that they would not have entered a business relationship with their clients had they not been attracted to them.
The IMMA is a subsidiary of MBSTIA, a private company based in Washington, DC. The association’s mission and focus is to provide networking opportunities and educate the independent music management community on effective ways to formulate effective strategies and counsel their client’s careers successfully within this independent music industry. The association is currently accepting registration for manager membership at http://www.indiemanagers.com.
MBSTIA Attn: IMMA 4401-A Connecticut Ave NW PMB 234, Washington DC 20008
info@indiemanagers.com
Tel: (202) 521-5459
PUBLICITY: William Scherer
william@indiemanagers.com
Tel: (202) 521-5459
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