Responding to the New B‐school Challenges: An In‐process Observation

The new AACSB accreditation standards suggest a change in B‐school operations, from the academic model to the professional school model whereby stakeholder needs are given increasing attention. Also, they require that schools give specific attention to their role and mission. A new dean from the business community — and recent reaccreditation — led Boise State to embark on a comprehensive review of its undergraduate programme. A task force of senior faculty developed a new strategy focus and a process for its implementation. The organizational change is currently in‐process but it has already produced several, useful insights. Most importantly, there is a need for business schools to be learning organizations. This will call into question the continued relevance of six academic paradigms.