Can the MBA Develop Leadership?: ‘Academic Reflection’ vs ‘Practical Training’

This chapter examines whether the MBA can truly develop leadership. This question crystallises some of the current critiques of the MBA; practical critiques on the one hand about the relevance of the MBA — does it actually prepare students for real management roles? — and, on the other, critiques of the MBA’s academic rigour — for instance is it ‘critical’ enough of contemporary management practice?