A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Stop Devaluing My Degree! Stakeholder-Led Stigmatization to Save Business School Status
Authors: Kettunen, Kerttu; Inkpen, Andrew; Alajoutsijärvi, Kimmo; Alon, Ilan
Publisher: Academy of Management
Publishing place: BRIARCLIFF MANOR
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Academy of Management Learning and Education
Journal name in source: Academy of Management Learning & Education
Journal acronym: ACAD MANAG LEARN EDU
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
First page : 149
Last page: 174
Number of pages: 26
ISSN: 1537-260X
eISSN: 1944-9585
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2024.0066
Web address : https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2024.0066
Abstract
This paper explores organizational stigma, an important yet underexamined phenomenon in business schools, and its role in the preservation of institutional status and prestige. Through a case study of a prestigious U.S.-based business school, we examine the stigmatization process initiated by alumni stakeholders following the announcement of an alliance with a global conglomerate that operates a network of for-profit universities. Our study contributes to existing research on the critical role of stakeholder evaluations in shaping and maintaining business schools' status, reputation, and legitimacy. By analyzing the stigmatizers' perspective, we propose a process model for the alumni-led stigmatization. We highlight how these stakeholders, particularly in the era of social media, can disrupt strategic decision-making at business schools by triggering and enacting stigmas across multiple levels both within and outside the institution.
This paper explores organizational stigma, an important yet underexamined phenomenon in business schools, and its role in the preservation of institutional status and prestige. Through a case study of a prestigious U.S.-based business school, we examine the stigmatization process initiated by alumni stakeholders following the announcement of an alliance with a global conglomerate that operates a network of for-profit universities. Our study contributes to existing research on the critical role of stakeholder evaluations in shaping and maintaining business schools' status, reputation, and legitimacy. By analyzing the stigmatizers' perspective, we propose a process model for the alumni-led stigmatization. We highlight how these stakeholders, particularly in the era of social media, can disrupt strategic decision-making at business schools by triggering and enacting stigmas across multiple levels both within and outside the institution.
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