Fostering Culture Change In An Undergraduate Business Program: Nudging Students Towards Greater Involvement In Extra-Curricular Activities

Abstract

A report on a successfully implemented program to increase student participation in extra-curricular activities in an undergraduate business program with a high percentage of first-generation college students. A market-research study offered insight as to why students were not participating before the program was launched. Greater participation in extra-curricular activities was used as a means to provide valuable career preparation and to develop professional habits. Participation was encouraged with very small rewards tied to existing courses, consistent with the nudging mechanism of behavioral economics.