Evidence-Based Management in MBA Management Course Syllabi: What "Evidence" Is There?

The purpose of this study is to examine the degree to which required general management courses in US-based MBA programs make reference to the emerging Evidence-Based Management (EBM) movement. As a first step in this process, syllabi from more than 800 required management courses were reviewed for either explicit references to the concept of EBM or learning objectives or overall course descriptions that are EBM-consistent. Institutional, course, and instructor characteristics are examined as predictors of a focus on EBM. Using the most inclusive operationalization of EBM, results suggest that approximately 40% of core MBA management courses embody EBM principles. However, there are large differences across course content, with EBM being most prevalent in Organizational Behavior and least in International Management and Entrepreneurship. Suggestions for future research are offered.