Historical context and insights for criticisms of the 21st century business school

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ABSTRACTMany 21st century writers have articulated serious criticisms of the university-based business school. To have a complete understanding of the roots of these concerns and the viability of potential responses, we must see the business school in the context of the greater university—an institution with over 800 years of traditions and values. Seeing the 21st century university-based business school in this context informs us that many of the current-day criticisms are neither new nor unique to business schools. Without seeing the business school in this broader context, solutions offered by some critics are unlikely to gain sufficient traction to be successful. Fortunately, however, the lessons of history also provide the criteria for a solution that will succeed.