The Leadership Factor in Management Education: Examining the Impact of an Industry Speakers Series on Leadership Efficacy in a Minority Serving MBA Program

Abstract

Management education has changed considerably over the last few decades. MBA programs are coming to the realization that providing just quantitative and analytical training is insufficient. Upon conferral of their graduate degree, their alumni will add more value through their ability to lead and manage others than through their talents and abilities as individual contributors. In these more senior roles, an entirely different interpersonal skill set is required. However, faculty in one minority serving MBA program found that the “leadership efficacy factor” – self-confidence and belief in the ability to succeed as a leader – needed to first be addressed. One program that was recently implemented to impact students’ leadership efficacy was an industry speaker series. With the use of a pre- and postsurvey, this research will examine the findings and lessons learned from this program