Purpose: What remains uncertain with corporate universities is the contribution they provide to their organizations, particularly when considered from the perspective of managers. Managers are important stakeholders, as they may participate in carrying out the mission and policies that govern the corporate university and participate in the programs offered. Organizations would benefit from knowing more about the perceptions of managers. The purpose of this paper is to study managers' perceptions of the accountability of two corporate university programs in China and its relationship with the managers' overall involvement in corporate university programs and their commitment to the organization. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted in two state-owned organizations in China, a country in which many organizations have adopted corporate universities. A mixed-method approach was used to carry out the study. Findings: The results showed that there was a moderate relationship between the managers' perceptions of the accountability of corporate university programs, based on two management development programs and managers' involvement in corporate university programs and their commitment to the organization. The results also showed a low relationship between managers' involvement in their corporate university programs and commitment to the organization. Originality/value: The findings provide implications for managing corporate universities in China and enhancing the accountability of these initiatives. The study serves as a basis for future studies involving corporate universities and on the accountability of and involvement in training.