Cyber Times International Journal of Technology & Management

Research culture significantly influences the intellectual output and global reputation of business schools. Institutions that promote scholarly inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge sharing are more likely to emerge as thought leaders in management education. This study examines how research culture contributes to thought leadership by analysing the roles of institutional support, faculty engagement, research infrastructure, and industry collaboration. A mixed-method approach was used, including surveys of faculty members and administrators along with analysis of publication output and citation impact. Findings reveal that institutions with strong research ecosystems—supported by funding, mentoring, collaboration, and performance incentives—produce higher levels of thought leadership through impactful publications, case studies, and policy contributions. The study also highlights the importance of research-driven teaching and industry partnerships in enhancing intellectual leadership. It concludes that developing a strong research culture is essential for business schools seeking global recognition and recommends strengthening infrastructure, promoting collaboration, and integrating research into teaching and industry practice.