The consultancy process - an insecure business?

Article Abstract:

This paper examines the practices and perceptions of management consultants and their clients. The existing literature, which emphasizes managerial anxiety in accounting for the persistent use of consultants and, relatedly, the transience of management ideas is critically developed. It is argued that such accounts tend to be abstracted from the power relations of organizations and capitalism and to portray management as passive victims of confident consultants. An alternative interactive model is proposed, which is based on reciprocal and self-defeating concerns of clients and consultants to secure a sense of identity and control. This is explored empirically, highlighting the hitherto neglected active role of managers in resisting consultancy and the pressures and anxieties experienced by consultants. The accounting selectively draws on secondary sources as well as interview, documentary and survey research of IT strategy consultants and clients in the UK financial services sector. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Management Consulting Services, Business & Mgmt Consulting, Research, Business consultants, Management consultants, Consulting services

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Porter's 'Competitive Advantage of Nations': time for the final judgement?

Article Abstract:

This article critically evaluates M.E. Porter's book on international economics and strategic management, 'Competitive Advantage of Nations.' The author argues that Porter misunderstands the relationship between industry market share and productivity at the national level, as well as the factors that determine trade, competitiveness, and economic policy in developing countries.

United States, Management science, Analysis, Competition (Economics), Economic policy, Criticism and interpretation, Economists, Competitive Advantage of Nations (Book), Porter, M.E.

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Missionaries, mercenaries or car salesmen?: MBA teaching in Malaysia

Article Abstract:

This article examines the social aspects of the diffusion of Western management ideas in Malaysian business schools, focusing on the perceptions of teachers and students in an executive master of business administration (MBA) program in Malaysia. Topics addressed include the imperialistic and power relations involved in treating the MBA as a standardized commodity.

Malaysia, Social aspects, International aspects, Master of business administration degree, Schools, Educational sociology, Business education

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