Convergence or divergence? A comparison of informal consultant–client relationship development practices in Britain, France and Germany

Taminiau, Y., Boussebaa, M. and Berghman, L. (2012) Convergence or divergence? A comparison of informal consultant–client relationship development practices in Britain, France and Germany. Service Industries Journal, 32(10), pp. 1707-1720. (doi: 10.1080/02642069.2012.665902)

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Abstract

A continuing debate in the field of management and organization studies is whether globalization is giving rise to universal ways of working. This study contributes to the debate by turning the attention to management consultancy work, an area of economic activity that is often said to be highly globalized. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in three nations – Britain, France and Germany – it explores whether and how far the informal client relationships developed by management consultants vary across countries. The findings not only reveal commonalities but also significant differences in how consultants in the three different national contexts approach issues of location, work/private life boundaries, and hierarchy in their client relationship development work. We, thus, find that despite globalization pressures, cross-national differences in management consultancy work continue to matter.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Boussebaa, Professor Mehdi
Authors: Taminiau, Y., Boussebaa, M., and Berghman, L.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Service Industries Journal
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0264-2069
ISSN (Online):1743-9507
Published Online:13 March 2012

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