From year to year, there is a gradual yet measurable progress in business schools towards achieving diversity in master’s programs, hiring more women faculty, and promoting women to leadership roles. This trend is highlighted in a recent report by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
The AACSB report, released on February 26, indicates a positive shift in the representation of women in leadership positions within global business schools. Over the period from 2020-2021 to 2023-2024, the percentage of women deans worldwide has increased from 26% to 30%, marking a significant advancement from 17% fifteen years ago.
An analysis conducted by Poets&Quants on top B-schools underscores the presence of women deans in elite institutions, particularly in the top 50 U.S. schools compared to leading schools in Europe, Asia, and other regions outside the U.S.
‘YOU HAVE TO BE ASSERTIVE TO BE VISIBLE’
Lily Bi, President and CEO of AACSB, emphasizes the importance of gradual change, indicating that societal shifts are creating more opportunities for women to assert themselves in leadership roles.
AACSB, a global accreditor in business education, surveyed 434 deans and 36 interim deans across 64 countries for its 2023-2024 Insights From Deans report. The survey also gathered responses from 143 senior administrators in business schools from 23 countries.
Apart from the increasing presence of women in top leadership positions, the report highlights a shift in the diversity of deanships:
- 69% of current female deans are serving in their first deanship, compared to 57% of male deans.
- 21% of women deans were promoted from interim roles, in contrast to 12% of male deans.
- Only 13% of female deans transitioned from department head/chair positions, while 25% of male deans started from this role.
Lily Bi acknowledges the progress made in female representation but underscores the need for continued assertiveness among women leaders to enhance visibility and influence in the field.
DEANS AT AACSB-ACCREDITED B-SCHOOLS 3 YEARS AGO VERSUS DEANS TODAY
Source: AACSB
40.3% OF B-SCHOOL TENURE-TRACK FACULTY ARE WOMEN — ‘BUT THAT’S WHERE THEIR PROGRESSION STALLS’
While advancements in women’s leadership roles in business schools are evident, disparities still exist, particularly in the representation of women in tenured faculty positions. The 2022-23 Staff Compensation and Demographics Survey by AACSB revealed that women make up 40.3% of tenure-track faculty but only constitute 30% of deans and 25.7% of full professors.
The report underscores that the underrepresentation of women at higher academic levels impacts various aspects of business school environments, including student diversity, classroom dynamics, and institutional reputation.
WOMEN ARE DEANS AT 13 OF P&Q’s TOP 50 U.S. B-SCHOOLS
An analysis of deanships at the top 50 U.S. B-schools ranked by P&Q indicates that 26% of these positions are held by women. However, when excluding interim deans, this percentage drops to 22%. The top-ranked B-school with a female dean is led by Sharon Matusik.
In comparison, among European, Asian, Canadian, and Australian B-schools in the top 100, only 21% of deanships are held by women. The report highlights the gradual progress in gender diversity in leadership positions, with Europe leading in this aspect compared to North America.
DEANS AT NON-U.S. B-SCHOOLS IN THE FINANCIAL TIMES’S TOP 100 GLOBAL BUSINESS SCHOOLS
The Financial Times 2024 MBA ranking showcases women deans at various international business schools, emphasizing the global landscape of gender representation in leadership roles.
‘DEANS STRUGGLE WITH WORK-LIFE BALANCE’
Additional insights from AACSB’s report shed light on the challenges faced by deans, including the need for improved work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and mentorship support. The report underscores the importance of strategic planning and thinking, with a higher percentage of female deans emphasizing these skills compared to male deans.
Read AACSB’s report, Leading Today’s Business Schools: Insights From Deans, .
For more information and discussions on this topic, visit Poets&Quants and AACSB.