The Adoption of MBA Programs in Germany: An Institutional Perspective
Schulz, Ann-Christine Oertel, Simon
Schulz, Ann-Christine
Oertel, Simon
Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2023-06
Journal
Academy of Management Learning and Education
Book
Publication Volume
22
Publication Issue
2
Publication Begin page
216
Publication End page
238
Publication Number of pages
Collections
Abstract
This study examines the adoption of MBA programs by higher education institutions in Germany. Using arguments from neo-institutional theory and imprinting theory, we propose that private ownership, mimetic processes, and founding period are likely to impact MBA adoption. In an empirical analysis of 86 German universities over the period 1999–2015, we show that private universities are more likely to offer MBA programs. For public universities, we find that prior adoption by other universities and an early foundation period (prior to World War II) positively influence MBA adoption. Interaction analyses show that the positive impact of prior adoption by other universities is attenuated by organizational status and augmented by the regional density of academic institutions. Our findings thus elucidate the major role of institutional factors for the diffusion of MBA programs among German universities.
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
35 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services, 3901 Curriculum and Pedagogy, 39 Education, 3505 Human Resources and Industrial Relations, 3507 Strategy, Management and Organisational Behaviour