The Future of the Planet in the Hands of MBAs: An Examination of CEO MBA Education and Corporate Environmental Performance.

Abstract

Abstract:Several critics contend that MBA education is irrelevant to practicing managers (e.g., Mintzberg, 2004), while others suggest it creates a pro fits-first mentality without regard for moral considerations (e.g., Ghoshal, 2005). Based on these criticisms, we explore the implications for CEOs with an M BA degree-specifically, if and how their M BA ed ucation might influence their firms' corporate environmental performance (CEPJ. Extant literature provides conflicting arguments; therefore, we empirically tested the relationship using a sample of 416 S&P 500 CEOs and found a significant positive association between CEOs with M BAs and CEP, even alter accounting for several firm-and individual-level characteristics.In addition, post-hoc analysis revealed that the MBA program ranking had no effect on CEP.

Top Management Involvement in the Adoption of Energy Efficiency Projects

“…Scholars have shown that cross-functional communication is an important precursor to innovation (Hambrick and Mason, 1984;Shrivastava and Souder, 1987;Rothwell and Zegveld, 1985 (Hambrick and Mason, 1984;Michel and Hambrick, 1992) and on the adoption of environmental practices (Torgler and Garcia-Valinas, 2007;Musteen et al, 2006;Slater and and Dixon-Fowler, 2010) and this might also be the case for adoption of energy efficiency practices. (2) …”

The MBA: “A Master’s Degree a Mile Deep and an Inch Wide”: A Reflection on MBA Curricula in South African Business Schools

“…In particular, there have been concerns leveled at the curriculum that is being taught in MBA programmes. Some of the criticisms include Slater & Dixon-Fowler, (2010) who argue that MBA programmes are not relevant to those in practice. Boyatzis & Renio, (2007) criticize the MBA for not adequately developing the interpersonal skills required for leadership and effective management.…”

The return of the Jedi in entrepreneurship?! : Developing a validated competence framework for sustainable entrepreneurship and exploring the specific role of moral competencies in the sustainable entrepreneurial process

“…This confirms the theoretical findings proposed by Blok et al (2016). As mentioned, entrepreneurship education that also teaches on sustainability is often still prone to the profit-first mentality (Slater & Dixon-Fowler, 2010;Lourenço et al, 2013). This leaves little room for the development of moral obligations or the development of feeling responsible.…”

“…Critics such as Giacalone and Thompson (2006) argue that students are often encouraged to treat everything as subordinate to profit. Slater and Dixon-Fowler (2010) state that this 'profit-first' mentality has no regard for moral considerations or social responsibilities. Education institutions have a big role in the transition from this profit-first mentality as a logic, towards a new logic in which sustainability is not seen as a loss (the losing logic), but seen as a positive outcome.…”

“…However, these metaanalyses also highlight methodological weaknesses and warn that results have to be interpreted with care. Another criticism of entrepreneurship education is that it primarily teaches students to developed a profit-driven mentality, which has no regard for moral considerations or social responsibilities (Slater & Dixon-Fowler, 2010). On the other hand, education for sustainable development does embrace the perspective of integrating sustainability as an opportunity in a way that is positive and driven by selfinterest while also considering the benefits for multiple stakeholders (Lourenço, 2013).…”