Perceptions of the impact of the new AACSB standards on faculty qualifications

The International Association for Management Education (AACSB) historically has been a strong supporter of the business disciplinary communities that have served to create and protect a much narrower definition of faculty qualifications. Research has supported the notion that business schools have often selected and rewarded faculty for their academic credentials and for their ability to conduct empirical research regardless of institutional type. In recent studies following the introduction of the new AACSB standards, deans surveyed generally anticipate only modest changes in the credentials and research expectations for their faculties. This multiple case study investigated dean and management and marketing chair and faculty perceptions of the potential impact of the new AACSB faculty qualifications standards on hiring, tenure, and promotion criteria at four comprehensive universities. Generally, respondents expected little opportunity for selection, tenure or promotion of faculty with doctorates outside traditional business disciplines and no opportunity for those considered professionally qualified.