Executive Education and Elite Formation Dynamics

Executive education influences business leaders, corporate practices, and society. Yet, the role of these educational programs in shaping local business elites has not been explored. Our study advances the research on executive education’s impact on the development of business elites by examining the Finnish LIFIM executive education program from the 1950s through the 2000s. We propose a model that offers a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted role of educational programs. This model extends beyond the scope of educational content to include the formation of social networks. It provides a framework for understanding how an educational program can evolve into a prestigious tradition among local business elites and the factors contributing to the loss of this status.