Many people associate doctoral degrees with STEM fields such as medicine or chemistry. However, business also has a rich tradition of academic research. So, why is there a Doctorate in Business?
Dr. William Talboys, PhD, was consulted for this article.
Doctoral degrees in business typically come in two forms: the PhD and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Both degrees represent the pinnacle of academic achievement in the field of business, but they are distinct in their focus and purpose.
- A PhD in business usually centers on theoretical research. It is designed for those who aspire to teach and conduct research at the highest academic levels.
- In contrast, the DBA emphasizes applying research to solve real-world business problems. This makes it ideal for experienced professionals who wish to take their careers to the next level.
You can explore more about the differences between these two paths here!
Why Is There Research in Business?
At first glance, research might seem like something reserved for laboratories or scientific experiments. However, businesses conduct research every day. Whether through market analysis, competitive intelligence, or product development, research is essential to a company’s success. Every focus group used to design a new product and every beta test conducted to improve an app is a form of research. These practical approaches often draw upon methodologies developed in academic settings.
Businesses themselves are also a field of study. Questions like How are companies structured? How does that structure affect their efficiency? or What job designs foster productivity and employee satisfaction? are questions business researchers aim to answer. Similarly, research explores what strategies work best for successful companies and why. These are not only theoretical queries but ones that can lead to impactful changes in the way businesses operate. That’s why academic rigor is essential in driving practical results.
A Short History of Business Research
The academic study of business has a longer history than many might expect. The first formal business schools emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Over time, the field evolved from practical business training to a more robust research-oriented discipline. Business research gained momentum as scholars began to adopt scientific methodologies to explore questions related to management, economics, finance, and strategy.
By the mid-20th century, academic research in business had grown into a full-fledged discipline for both the private and public sectors. Today, business research informs everything from corporate governance practices to global economic policies.
How Research Is Handled in a Doctorate In Business
Doctoral research in business is an interdisciplinary field, drawing from economics, finance, psychology, marketing, and data analytics, among other areas. Whether you’re analyzing consumer behavior, optimizing supply chains, or exploring the impacts of leadership styles on organizational culture, business research touches on a wide range of academic fields.
There are two common paths for individuals who pursue doctoral research in business. One is to remain in academia, becoming a researcher and professor who contributes to expanding knowledge in the field. These individuals often teach future business leaders while consulting for organizations to help them implement the latest research-backed strategies.
The other path is much more grounded in the immediate needs of businesses. Many doctoral candidates, especially in DBA programs, focus on applying their research directly to industry challenges. For example, here at California Intercontinental University (CIU), students engage in a Doctoral Research Project as an alternative to a traditional dissertation.
These projects involve working closely with companies to apply research methodologies to real-world business challenges. This approach bridges the gap between academic research and practical business solutions, allowing students to make an immediate impact in the companies they work with.
In conclusion, while business research may have once seemed an unlikely candidate for doctoral study, its importance is undeniable. The research conducted in this field not only advances academic knowledge but also helps businesses navigate complex challenges, innovate, and stay competitive. If you’re interested in making a significant impact in the business world, pursuing a doctorate in business could be your next step.
