The Future of Business Schools: Purpose, Action, and Impact

Business schools have faced criticism for being deficient in preparing future business leaders and ignoring essential topics like ethics, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. The Future of Business Schools discusses these issues in the context of complexity, sustainability, and destiny and offers ideas for business school stakeholders to navigate complexity and prepare for uncertainty.

Format: Hardback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd

Business schools have long been a cornerstone of the business world, enjoying rising enrollments, positive media attention, and growing prestige. However, the disruption caused by Covid-19 has brought to light several issues that have been previously ignored regarding MBA programs. These issues include lower enrollments, criticism for being deficient in preparing future business leaders, and the neglect of essential topics such as ethics, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion.

The Future of Business Schools, a comprehensive book, delves into these critical areas to explore how business schools can prepare students for a complex and uncertain world. The book is divided into three chapters: complexity, sustainability, and destiny. In the first chapter, the authors discuss the challenges posed by the rapidly changing global landscape and the need for business schools to adapt to these changes. They argue that business schools should focus on developing students' critical thinking skills, adaptability, and ability to work in teams to navigate the complexities of the business world.

The second chapter explores the importance of sustainability in business and how business schools can integrate it into their curriculum. The authors argue that businesses have a responsibility to consider their environmental and social impact and that business schools should teach students how to create sustainable business models and strategies. They also provide examples of innovative practices and initiatives that businesses are implementing to reduce their carbon footprint and promote social responsibility.

The third chapter focuses on the role of business schools in shaping a better future for everyone. The authors argue that business schools should prioritize the development of ethical and responsible leaders who can make a positive impact on society. They suggest that business schools should incorporate courses on ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability into their curriculum and provide opportunities for students to engage in community service and social entrepreneurship.

The chapters in The Future of Business Schools are filled with insights and suggestions from business school professors, researchers, and leaders from different contexts and countries. The authors offer ideas for business school stakeholders, including program structures, course content, teaching materials, and research topics. In addition to examples of innovations, the book provides tools and resources to help universities navigate complexity and prepare for uncertainty.

The material in The Future of Business Schools is valuable for business school faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as professionals, policymakers, and organizations interested in identifying new directions for business schools in this evolving field. The book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing business schools and offers practical solutions for improving their effectiveness and relevance.

In conclusion, The Future of Business Schools is a timely and important book that highlights the need for business schools to adapt to the changing global landscape and prioritize the development of ethical and responsible leaders. The book offers valuable insights and suggestions for business school stakeholders and provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing business schools. By embracing these changes, business schools can play a vital role in shaping a better future for everyone.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800889217