A Case Studies about Morphology of Management Consulting Typologies
Abstract: The identity of the consultant is not theorized as one definable construct but ratherby morphologicaltypologies that share similarities while at the same are conceptualized as being vastly different. In examining the literature of morphological typologies of consultants, this paper seeks to explore how various consulting identities that are constituents of typologies interact with identity claims that seek to influence potential client perceptions. The paper starts by exploring the literature documenting organizational identity before specifically focusing on converging and i verging identities of the consultant. The paper then identifies key variables that that appear in a significant number of consultant identities highlighting both the similarities and differences.
Introduction: The paper examines consulting morphological typologiesby identifying claims consulting firms make and conceptualizes specific characters that are seen as constituents of particular morphologies. We begin by examining the evolution of organisational identity from what has been theorized as enduring (Albert and Whetten, 1985) to dynamic (Fiol, 1991). The paper then explores thecharacterization of consultants and establishes a theoretical framework from the extant literature. Finally an integrated conceptual framework that categorizes the various consulting characters is presentedand assimilating them in 6 specific groups.As the term management consulting is used throughout this paper, it is necessary to define how the term is understood. The literature defining consultancy is plural in nature, perceived differently by those in the industry, in comparison to those academically studying the phenomena. keep reading…
