American Sociological Review · 1986 · 523 citations · 28 references
EducationBusiness AdministrationHigher EducationCareer EducationCareer ManagementTalent ManagementCareer PathwaysCareer ProgressionClass StratificationHigher Education CareersInformal Social NetworksInstitutional PrestigeMiddle ManagersPathways To Higher EducationProfessional Backgrounds
College attendance is nearly universal among senior managers in large American corporations, making the role of higher‑education distinctions in accessing these positions increasingly salient. The study aims to examine how stratification within higher education—by institutional status and credential level—relates to stratification among top corporate managers. Using data on education, social background, and careers of 2,729 senior managers from 208 major corporations, the authors analyze the relationship between educational stratification and corporate management stratification. Corporate ascent is facilitated by holding a bachelor’s degree from a top‑ranked college, an MBA from a prominent program, or a law degree from a leading institution, and an upper‑class background further increases the likelihood of reaching top ranks, especially for advancement beyond the firm into inter‑corporate networks.
With college attendance approaching universality among senior managers in large American corporations, the issue of the impact of distinctions within the system of higher education in providing access to these positions has become increasingly salient. This study, based on data on the education, social backgrounds, and careers of 2,729 senior managers associated with 208 major corporations, analyzes the relationship between stratification within higher education (as measured by institutional status and level of credential) and stratification within the ranks of top corporate management. Findings reveal that: (1) Corporate ascent is facilitated by the possession of a bachelor's degree from a top-ranked college, a master's degree in business administration from a prominent program, or a degree in law from a leading institution. (2) Controlling for educational credentials, an upper-class background increases the likelihood of rising to the top ranks of corporate management. (3) The impact of a law degree and an upper-class origin are most pronounced for successful movement beyond the firm into formal and informal inter-corporate networks.
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