Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

11-2008

Abstract

This study defines an aspect of consultant knowledge that provides credibility without claiming unrealistic status for a field like consulting. Our focus is the "sector knowledge" that consultants accumulate which derives from repeated assignments in the industrial sector in which the client organization resides. This has been under-researched partly because of an emphasis oil knowledge as technique and method. But knowledge configured around the sector enables consultants to play the role of the outside expert and draw oil a language and experiences held in common with the client. The paper explores the role of consultants as sector intermediaries through a case study of contemporary management consulting in a UK local authority. We see "the sector" as air alternative type of knowledge formation salient for a client-centered occupation like consulting. We also explore sector knowledge as a negotiated setting and dispel overly simple notions of know-how being "brought to" the client.

Discipline

Organizational Behavior and Theory

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

Journal of Organizational Behavior

Volume

29

Issue

8

First Page

1145

Last Page

1160

ISSN

0894-3796

Identifier

10.1002/job.559

Publisher

Wiley: 24 months

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Comments

submittedVersion

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1002/job.559

Download

Share

COinS