Is continuous improvement through accreditation sustainable? : A capability‐based view

Purpose – This paper aims to understand how an external assessment of resources, activities and performance contributes to continuously develop capabilities for business schools. Design/methodology/approach – The EQUIS accreditation framework is reorganized into a capability‐based model for business schools. Next, the case of a business school's experience with EQUIS is used to identify core‐capabilities. Findings – The paper emphasizes three core‐capabilities that are strengthened through the EQUIS accreditation process: strategizing, changing and branding. Originality/value – The paper argues that an accreditation process characterized by cyclical assessments and floating standards incorporates the features of a sustainable strategy for continuously developing capabilities within business schools.