Mohamad Amjad M. Calib BS Accountancy-IVAccountancy 45 June 23, 2015

Management Consultant Function Today

When helping an individual, a group, or an organization, a consultant fulfills a number of roles that she finds appropriate for the client, the situation, and her style. Due to the variety of existing observations and interpretations, it is difficult to exhaustively define only one set of specific roles for a management consultant. This section outlines some of the roles presented in the literature on management consulting.

In one widely recognized dichotomy, consultative roles are divided into task-oriented and process-oriented roles. Research have compared the two roles on seven key dimensions as can be seen by the table below.

Dimension Consultant as Technical Expert Consultant as Process Facilitator

Problem verification

By "expert" evaluation and collection of data.

By "problem sensing" and facilitating a clear articulation that includes attitudes and feelings.

Problem solving

Provides ideas and opinions, designs research for data, and develops solution for the client-system.

Works on the problem-solving capability of the system, improves problem-solving process, and facilitates creativity.

Feedback Presents research data with "expert" interpretations.

Provides meaningful data, facilitates assimilation of data, and allows for client interpretation.

Utilization of research

Makes specific and concrete recommendations based on data.

Develops client use of data and facilitates action by client based on learning.

Relationship to client

Is objective, detached, and task oriented. Connection is short term and problem oriented.

Is personal, involved, and process oriented. Connection is long term and system oriented.

Involvement Is primarily with the problem to be solved.

Is primarily with people and groups in the organization.

Systems approach

Concern is with implications of the problem for other parts of the organization.

Concern is for collaborative relationships and exchange of resources among parts of the organization.