Reflections on the management consulting lifestyle

Abstract

In today’s business circles it is evident to see how consultants have actually replaced or at least are perceived to have replaced academicians and “managers” as the leading voice of expertise on business matters, and as such their influence, as well as visibility, in organizations has increased. This is visible even in our institute, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, where management consulting is considered one of the most sought-after paths of career. Each year, great swathes of students clamour over each other to get a job at consulting firms, many a time not even aware of what consulting holds as an employment or career path. Despite this great drive towards consulting, what is its source of mystical charm is little known. Furthermore, the reasons of the importance of the work of management consulting is itself shrouded under an impenetrable veil? Basis this, our research aims to look deeper into the work of consultants, their values, self worth and the attraction of this profession to young potential recruits -thereby shedding more light on the Management Consulting Phenomenon.