Learning Goals of AACSB-Accredited Undergraduate Business Programs: Predictors of Conformity Versus Differentiation

Learning goals are central to assurance of learning. Yet little is known about what goals are used by business programs or how they are established. On the one hand, business schools are encouraged to develop their own unique learning goals. However, business schools also face pressures that would encourage conformity by adopting goals used by others. The authors examined the extent to which learning goals of business programs are unique versus similar. Their evidence suggests business schools adopt goals that are quite similar. Public schools and lower ranked schools were more likely to demonstrate such conformity. The implications of goal similarity are discussed for management education and assurance of learning.