This study aims to identify the social practices that support higher academic achievement in two doctoral programs in management: USP, UFRGS. Using as an indicator of academic achievement the Capes (2004-2007) indicators and as epistemological approach interpretationism. The theoretical background is the social constructivist with the framework known as the current strategy as social practice consisting of two topics, post-graduate and doctorate management programs in Brazil. The empirical research was qualitative and constitutes a comparative analysis of two cases. The most important results of this research shows that certain characteristics and activities of the coordination, the professors and the doctoral students are important, such as: commitment and dedication of the students; enhancement of research and be in touch with the real world of organizations as an important role of the professors, provide incentives based on metrics from Capes, by the coordination of the courses. With respect to collective practices, highlight the importance of all actors in the research groups.
social practices; organizational strategy; academic results; PhD in management
