Understanding student attendance in business schools: An exploratory study

There is considerable literature indicating that class attendance is positively related to academic performance. However, the narrative on what influences students' decisions to attend class is scant. This article examines why students choose not to attend class through the use of a survey distributed to first year undergraduates. Regression results point to three main reasons for reduced attendance rates: (i) alternative sources of information; (ii) valuing attendance low on the priority ladder; and (iii) timing/scheduling constraints. The most significant driver of greater attendance levels was attitudinal differences amongst students, and in particular, students with extrinsic achievement motivations with regard to their education.