Consultobabble's facilitatory role in process consultation

Abstract

Consultants are often criticised for using the managerial equivalent of psychobabble, “consultobabble”, as a part of a big con. Consultobabble, it is argued, hides issues around consultant credibility and serves to generate a part of the mystique that allows them to peddk the latest management fad. This article examines the consultant‐client relationship, arguing that consultobabble, at least in process consultation exercises such as visual thinking, has a legitimate role. Notably, it argues that consultobabble deflects any resentment directed at the consultant by establishing consultant and process credibility. It also serves to facilitate client group conversations. Auditors need to understand therefore that consultobabble can be an essential part of effective client‐consultant relationship.

Citation

Williams, R. and Rattray, R. (2004), "Consultobabble's facilitatory role in process consultation", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 180-190. https://doi.org/10.1108/02686900410517812