Business school doctoral programs and the future of business research

Abstract

We apply a neo-institutional theoretical lens to interpret the extent of any significant similarities or differences in doctoral programmes across business schools in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Overall, we characterise the state of doctoral education in business as lacking adequate funding, primarily attracting students with limited professional or industrial experience but having diverse approaches to the role of formal training as part of the doctoral programme. Although we view these findings as somewhat inevitable given institutional and isomorphic pressures, they are of concern if ANZ business schools are to produce research that is both rigorous and relevant beyond the academy. Comparisons across institutional groupings and discipline areas largely suggest relatively common approaches to doctoral programme design and administration across and within institutions. JEL Classification: M00