Core Concepts and Principles Flashcards

A consultant notices the client's stated problem (low sales) is likely a symptom of a deeper issue (poor product-market fit). What is the best next step?

Answer: Reframe the problem with the client through diagnosis before proposing solutions

Effective consultants distinguish presenting problems from root causes and collaboratively reframe them during diagnosis.

In Edgar Schein's process consultation model, the consultant's primary role is to:

Answer: Help the client perceive, understand, and act on events in their own environment

Process consultation emphasizes helping clients build their own capacity to diagnose and solve problems.

Which element is most essential in a consulting engagement letter to prevent scope creep?

Answer: Clearly defined deliverables, boundaries, and a change-request process

Explicit deliverables plus a formal change procedure keep the engagement within agreed limits.

A consultant is asked by a client to review a competitor's confidential documents obtained by a former employee. The consultant should:

Answer: Refuse to use the documents and explain the ethical and legal concerns

Using misappropriated confidential information violates professional ethics and may breach trade-secret law.

What does the 'hypothesis-driven' approach to consulting primarily aim to do?

Answer: Focus data gathering on testing likely answers early to work efficiently

Hypothesis-driven work starts with a provisional answer and gathers evidence to prove or disprove it, saving time.

The MECE principle used in structuring problems stands for:

Answer: Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive

MECE means categories do not overlap and together cover every possibility.

Which situation represents a conflict of interest a consultant must disclose?

Answer: Recommending a software vendor in which the consultant holds a financial stake

A personal financial interest in a recommendation can compromise objectivity and must be disclosed.