The diffusion of MBA programs in Germany: An empirical analysis through a neo-institutional lens

Abstract

In this study we investigate determinants of the adoption of US-type MBA programs among German universities. Drawing on neo-institutional theory we argue that the diffusion of MBA programs in Germany is closely connected to the relevance debate of management education and propose that growing concerns over the legitimacy of German business schools have spurred the adoption of these programs. In an empirical analysis of 83 universities in Germany, we show that the adoption of MBA programs is positively associated with the size of the institution, its status, and the relative significance of the business school within the university. These findings expand our understanding of the underlying factors that influence the adoption and spread of this important business education program among academic institutions and elucidate why MBA programs spread among Germany universities despite their different educational tradition. This paper received the best paper price in graduate management education.