FACULTY EDUCATION: THE KEY TO GAINING ACCEPTANCE OF CROSS-FUNCTIONAL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

Heightening corporate demand for employees equipped to effectively compete in cross-functional business environments has fostered growth in functionally integrated curricula throughout higher education. Business schools in particular are reengineering their programs to better reflect the environment in which graduates will work. But the implementation and garnering of faculty buy-in of the dramatic change initiatives involved in a cross-functional curriculum can be daunting to even the most progressive universities. This study examines faculty perceptions of a cross-functional program that has been in place seven years. Results show greater support for the cross-functional curriculum than for the pedagogy of this particular program. To assist in the development and implementation of such a program it is recommended that institutions of higher education consider an educational program that also educates the faculty, and solicits their input on how to design, implement, and modify the program.