Why MBA education … ? An examination of the reasons for pursuing a management course

This study tries to examine the causes which have led to the rise in the number of students pursuing an MBA in India. Qualitative methods have been used to collect the data. Data were collected via six focused group discussions with 60 postgraduate students associated with different management institutes in western India. In addition, data were obtained from 15 in-depth interviews with the parents of the participating students so as to complement the findings. Discussion with the participants led to the emergence of six reasons that explain why there has been a rise in the demand for pursuing an MBA. These were remedy for growing unemployment, advice from colleagues, creating demand in the marriage market, avoid marriage, status symbol in the society, and for a dynamic career. This study finds that Indian society is influenced and hence promotes the persuasion of such higher educational courses (like management) that are likely to provide employment opportunities. It also highlights the role that social culture plays in promoting such higher educational courses.