In the same study, the most common reason for completing the MBA was improving job opportunities, particularly for younger men and older women. Younger women placed greater importance on career change while older men were more motivated by the prospect of intellectual stimulation. Thus, the interaction of age and gender on the value of the MBA needs to be considered. While some evidence of age, experience and gender differences in perceptions of the value of the MBA have been reported, the evidence is inconclusive, suggesting that further research is needed.
The Value of the MBA
While age and experience appear to result in differences in perceptions of the value of the MBA, gender has also emerged as a significant predictor (Powell & Butterfield, 2003). A study of Hong Kong executive business students (Thompson & Gui, 2000) found it was more important for men than women to become better at one‟s job and obtain more promising career switching opportunities. In a replication of previous research that had found effects for gender on MBA perceived benefits, when comparing the relative importance of extrinsic benefits, e.g., pay or promotions, to intrinsic benefits such as enhanced feelings of confidence and self-worth (Simpson et al., 2005), women had not advanced to the same extent as men nor received the same level of financial rewards. While both equally valued the degree, “…men are significantly more likely to be satisfied with their career advancement…” (Simpson et al., 2005, p.222).
In the same study, the most common reason for completing the MBA was improving job opportunities, particularly for younger men and older women. Younger women placed greater importance on career change while older men were more motivated by the prospect of intellectual stimulation. Thus, the interaction of age and gender on the value of the MBA needs to be considered. While some evidence of age, experience and gender differences in perceptions of the value of the MBA have been reported, the evidence is inconclusive, suggesting that further research is needed.
In the same study, the most common reason for completing the MBA was improving job opportunities, particularly for younger men and older women. Younger women placed greater importance on career change while older men were more motivated by the prospect of intellectual stimulation. Thus, the interaction of age and gender on the value of the MBA needs to be considered. While some evidence of age, experience and gender differences in perceptions of the value of the MBA have been reported, the evidence is inconclusive, suggesting that further research is needed.
