Journal of Scholastic Inquiry: Special Edition
Volume 10, Page 153
Towards an Understanding of an Institution: The Perceived Legitimacy of Online Business Degree Programs Roy H. Keller Murray State University Jacob A. Voegel Coastal Carolina University Matthew R. Peters Lander University
Abstract Organizational forms can become institutionalized in the sense that their existence and application is taken-for-granted and perceived as legitimate by stakeholders. In this study, we examine online business degree programs (OBDP) as an emerging institutionalized form in relation to its perceived legitimacy from the perspectives of four key stakeholder groups. Findings offer strategic guidance to business schools either currently offering ODBPs, or those planning to develop an online version of an existing program. Keywords: Online business degree program, legitimacy, institutional theory Introduction The growth and popularity of online education has been well documented (Allen & Seaman, 2008, 2010, 2014; Kumar, Kumar, Palvia, & Verma, 2019). In this vein, our study argues that the creation of a new institutional form is taking place in the context of higher education with regards to online academic degree programs. Institutional theory posits that in order to gain legitimacy and increase the likelihood of survival, organizations are motivated to conform to society’s commonly accepted rules for and belief systems about organizations (Meyer & Rowan, 1977; DiMaggio & Powell, 1983). As such, institutional theory is the
