Source: IMCUSA.org/manual.pdf

What Is a Management Consultant?

A management consultant is a professional who helps the management of client organizations define and achieve their goals through improved utilization of resources. The consultant may do this by helping to identify problems and/or opportunities, and recommend solutions.

Management consultants not only propose change but also help implement it. As independent professionals, their primary concern is the welfare of the client organizations they serve.

How Can I Tell If I Need a Consultant?

There are no hard and fast rules for deciding to bring in a management consultant. Common situations suggesting that a consultant may provide help include:

Management believes that performance could be better but is not sure what to do to gain improvements.

Management does not have the specific knowledge and skills necessary to solve the problems it has identified.

Management has the necessary knowledge and skills but not the time or personnel to solve problems.

Management’s efforts have not produced the desired long-term improvements.

Management requires an independent, third party opinion, either to confirm a decision or to provide alternatives.

Often a situation will require that a consultant be retained until in-house capabilities are enhanced by a permanent staff addition.