Executive Guidelines for Evaluating Consultants

Abstract

This research investigates issues regarding the evaluation of corporate and institutional consultants. There is considerable information to assist those who conduct research, but little to facilitate the evaluation of others who perform it. This study integrates ideas found in the literature with those of the researcher who has been a consultant and a client, together with empirically generated executive input. The author conducts a series of personal interviews with corporate and institutional individuals on the client-consultant interface. The information comes from publicly-held and privately-owned organizations in both profit and not-for-profit sectors. The findings lead to an improved understanding of how consulting efficiencies can be enhanced.