Skill bound

A study of business school graduates, published in the International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, challenges the widely held belief that such students enter the workforce ill-prepared for the world of work. The finding is based on in-depth interviews with employers in Estonia and the research overall takes a broader view than earlier studies rather than focusing on specific skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving. Fundamentally, the research found a much smaller gap between what business schools provide and what employers want than is commonly assumed.

The paper explains that employers cited three main factors supporting this conclusion. First, holding a business degree itself serves as a reliable signal of employability. The credential indicates a graduate has the capacity to learn and adapt, traits employers value highly. Secondly, any deficiencies in technical knowledge or practical experience can often be addressed through on-the-job training. Thirdly, the qualities employers seek, such as adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical awareness, largely align with what business schools already cultivate in their students.

The research has implications for higher education leaders who may have been developing new curricula on the basis of a misconception. The work suggests that a complete overhaul of business school programmes is not needed. They might better focus on improving how their courses develop a graduate’s ability to learn continuously. This would then allow employees to adapt as job requirements evolve. For students, the study reinforces the value of a business degree not only as a basic academic credential but also as the foundation for their ongoing professional development.

Of course, the work focused on graduates and employers in Estonia. Future work might increase the sample size, adjust the interview methodology, and widen the reach of the work to other countries.

Örtenblad, A., Koris, R. and Kerem, K. (2026) ‘The much-discussed gap between employers’ demands and business school graduates’ competence: an intriguing finding’, Int. J. Management Concepts and Philosophy, Vol. 19, No. 5, pp.1–20.