Forms of capital and career benefits of the MBA in china and the UK

Abstract

This paper sets out the results of a research project which compares benefits from the MBA in China and the UK. Drawing on and modifying Bourdieu’s forms of capital theory, it highlights areas of commonality and difference. In particular it demonstrates that some forms of capital (e.g. institutional, social) transcend national boundaries and are equally valued in both contexts. Significant differences emerge within categories of cultural capital with Chinese respondents placing a higher value on more technical and UK respondents placing a higher value on personal and interpersonal skill components. Implications for the transferability of Western based management education to China are evaluated and discussed.