Graduate Business Administration programs: Meeting stakeholder expectations

Abstract

Traditionally, it has been taught to business administration students at the undergraduate level that the survival of an organization depends on its relevance as perceived by stakeholders (Freeman & Reed, 1983). However, one of the most important authors in the area of business administration in Brazil stated that about 20 years ago—when I was a newcomer to the academy—I expressed my frustration with the imperfections I identified in the management of the school. The following line never ceased to echo in my mind: “We are famous for teaching business administration, not for managing.” Unfortunately, I found that this phrase was not a criticism, but a fact.

The motivation for this text comes from the idea expressed by the phrase above. However, it is necessary to emphasize that this is a partial vision and that forums in which Brazilian graduate programs in business administration participate tend to focus on concise discussions instead of deepening discussions on topics that affect the management of these programs.

First, the most relevant stakeholders were listed, and their pressing interests were identified (subject to confirmation). Subsequently, using the 2013-2016 Evaluation Report – Quadrennial 2017, of the business administration, accounting, and tourism areas (CAPES, 2017), and considering only academic programs, the author analyzed the results obtained for the evaluation questions in relation to the interests of the stakeholders identified.