Samenvatting

This research paper investigates the importance of intrinsically motivated employees in the implementation of an eco-positive policy at Het Scheepvaartmuseum. This topic is significant because the outcome does not only benefit this specific museum, it would also set an example for sustainability in the museum realm and for change management in general. The objective of this study was to link the topics of sustainability, change management and emotions of the employees, to help Het Scheepvaartmuseum to improve their policy implementation. A placement at the museum made it possible to directly investigate the employees through a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Desk research, a questionnaire, interviews and emotion network sessions were employed to find out the feelings, emotions and behaviours of the employees and link them to theory about sustainability and psychology. The findings indicate that there is a link between the way the employees feel and how the museum operates daily. Rewards, feedback, compliments, freedom, choice, positive feelings and knowledge have influenced the employees' intrinsic motivation which led to unhappiness with the implementation of the eco-positive policy. Sustainable Museum Management could help the museum reach its goal faster and more efficiently than is done now. These findings suggest that Het Scheepvaartmuseum is a pioneer in the sustainable transition and can benefit from changing routines and listening to their employees to implement the eco-positive policy effectively. This would make Het Scheepvaartmuseum a leading player in the sustainability transition and set the right example for the world to wake up and challenge climate change.