Professional landscapes change fast, and so do the qualifications they demand. Thus, advanced, impactful degrees are a big draw for those aspiring to leadership roles and beyond. Among the most prestigious and impactful degrees for such positions are the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership (PhD).
This article will analyze the differences between the two and help guide you towards the best choice for your future.
Bottom Line: Go DBA for Industry, Go PhD in Leadership for Academics
- Both degrees equip you with credibility, expertise, and skills like problem-solving and analytical thinking.
- They’re also excellent networking opportunities.
- DBAs have a practical focus on applied research and professional development.
- PhDs are much more about theory, research, and academia. They add to the body of knowledge that already exists.
- DBA programs are more accesible, while PhDs tend to be full-time commitments.
First off, while both degrees aim to enhance leadership capabilities, each caters to different career paths and personal aspirations. You need to understand where you are and clearly envision where you want to be. Only then can you figure out the path to get there.
Advanced Degrees and Leadership Roles Depend on Each Other
Whether with a DBA or a PhD in Leadership, you’ll equally advance toward the knowledge and skills required for leadership roles. They’re both good paths forward if you consider moving upward in your career.
It’s not just about having that nice “Dr.” before your name, but it sure is a big part of it. Doctoral programs grant you credibility and expertise in your field of choice.
You’ll improve at thinking critically and strategically about complex problems – undoubtedly a significant requirement for managers and directors everywhere.
Both types of programs involve research. That means you’ll spend considerable time with data, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions from it.
And then there’s the networking. If you want to move upward toward a leadership role, you’ll be happy to rub shoulders with a network of professionals, academics, and industry experts.
Let’s discuss the DBA in Global Leadership
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Global Leadership is designed for those who wish to apply research to practical business challenges,issues, and problems. Its main qualities include:
- Practical Focus: The DBA is heavily oriented towards practical, real-world business issues. It aims to develop leaders who can implement effective organizational strategies and solutions.
- Applied Research: DBA candidates often work on research projects that directly apply to their workplace or industry, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
- Flexibility: Many DBA programs, such as those offered by California Intercontinental University (CIU), are designed to accommodate business professionals and working executives. These programs often offer online courses and part-time options, allowing students to balance their studies and professional responsibilities.
- Professional Development: DBA programs emphasize professional growth, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, and executive decision-making, preparing graduates for high-level leadership roles in various industries.
PhD in Leadership: Key Characteristics
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership is more academically inclined, focusing on theoretical foundations and research. Key characteristics include:
- Theoretical Focus: PhD programs in Leadership delve deeply into theories of leadership, organizational behavior, and management. They aim to advance the field through original research and scholarly contributions by adding more to the body of knowledge.
- Academic Research: PhD candidates conduct rigorous research, often contributing new knowledge. Their work is typically published in academic journals and presented at conferences.
- Full-Time Commitment: PhD programs are usually full-time and require a significant time commitment. They often involve teaching responsibilities, research assistantships, and comprehensive exams, and are often more expensive.
- Career in Academia: A PhD in Leadership is ideal for those who wish to pursue a career in academia, teaching at universities, and conducting high-level research.
Choosing the Right Path for You
Deciding between a DBA and a PhD boils down to three main factors:
- Industry vs Academia
- Professional Focus vs Academic Focus
- Flexibility vs Commitment
If you work in an industry and want to keep it that way, go with the DBA. Learn everything there is to learn and go apply it to practical problems in your area. However, if your goal is to continue doing research for a living while teaching at a university, a PhD might be a better choice.
The next question is whether you want a program emphasizing practical application or theoretical knowledge. DBA for the former, PhD for the latter.
So good so far. What about flexibility and commitment? DBAs are better suited if you want to keep your job while working toward earning your degree. PhDs tend to be full-time commitments that demand the better part of your life for a few years. Oh, and DBAs tend to be better for online programs.
Meet Stevens Bonhomme
Before finishing the article, let’s highlight the story of Stevens Bonhomme and how a DBA propelled him to new heights.
Stevens graduated from CIU in 2019, with a shiny new Doctor of Business Administration in Global Business and Leadership. He kept an impressive CGPA of 3.78 and made the President’s List for high academic achievement.
One of Stevens’ top goals was to receive a doctorate by the age of 30. He achieved this at 28 while working full-time at Microsoft. Remarkably, he completed the program in just one year by doubling up on classes each term. His dissertation, titled “Adaptation of Business Strategies in Haiti and the United States – The Case of Five Culturally Diversified Small Business Owners,” spanned 150 pages and highlighted his dedication and ambition.
Stevens has held various leadership roles at Microsoft, served as an Adjunct Professor of Business at Northwest University, and is the Founder & CEO of Feedcoyote, a robust social productivity network. His journey illustrates how a DBA can open doors to diverse leadership opportunities and drive impactful change.
Conclusion
Both DBA and PhD in Leadership programs provide distinct benefits for aspiring leaders. Your ideal choice depends on whether your career goals are in industry or academia. Pursuing an advanced degree not only deepens your expertise and enhances your credibility but also equips you with the essential skills to navigate leadership challenges in a complex environment. For professionals managing other commitments, online DBA programs, such as those at CIU, offer a practical route to achieving your leadership ambitions.
