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I'm not in a position to measure "known defects," but as a B-school
customer I feel comfortable identifying some of the "most common
defects" of MBAs rolling off the assembly line:

1. Poor writing skills
2. Theory X approach to managing people
3. Me first, instead of we first

Not to be a nattering nabob of negativism, most of the MBA graduates
have good quantitative, oral communication, and research skills. All in
all, I prefer liberal arts majors in most (not all) situations. But
then I'm a liberal arts major, so I'll shut up.

Bill Keeley
Manager, Economic and Technological Development
Westinghouse Electric Corporation
Waste Isolation Division
Carlsbad, New Mexico

Bill Keeley <KeeleyB@WIPP.CARLSBAD.NM.US> wrote:

>>... as a B-school customer I feel comfortable
identifying some of the "most common defects" of
MBAs rolling off the assembly line:

1. Poor writing skills...<<

Seems to me MBA graduates should have developed their writing
skills prior to their MBA program. Was it the MBA's professors
or the admissions office that was at fault? I don't think that
graduate school is where we should learn how to write.

>>... 2. Theory X approach to managing people ...<<

MBA's who are Theory X managers were Theory X'ers before
they entered an MBA program. An MBA program is likely to
enlighten and convert many Theory X'ers into Theory Y'ers.
What some of us see as a Theory X managers are often
Theory Y managers reacting inappropriately under the stress
of the job. When not under stress all Theory Y managers know
how to be effective managers, but when under stress these
same Theory Y'ers exhibit the behavior of many Theory X managers.

>>... 3. Me first, instead of we first ...<<

This personalty trait was acquired 15 or more years before
the MBA degree was earned. It just so happens that many
"me first" people earn advanced degrees. This trait is
identifiable prior to the job offer.

>>... Not to be a nattering nabob of
negativism, most of the MBA graduates
have good quantitative, oral communication,
and research skills...<<

Yes, these skills are easily learned by graduate students and
some of these students may not have the requisite people skills
to be a success manager of people.

>>... All in all, I prefer liberal arts
majors in most (not all) situations...<<

There is a lot to say for this preference.

>>... But then I'm a liberal arts major, so I'll shut up...<<

I thought your comments were excellent.

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