Core Concepts and Principles Flashcards

Which statement best distinguishes consulting from management?

Answer: Consultants advise and influence but typically lack direct authority over implementation

Consultants operate through influence rather than formal control, as Peter Block emphasizes.

A root cause analysis tool that repeatedly asks 'why' to drill down to the source of a problem is called:

Answer: The 5 Whys

The 5 Whys technique iteratively questions causes to reach the underlying issue.

When a consultant receives a gift of significant value from a client employee during a vendor selection project, the best practice is to:

Answer: Decline or disclose it according to policy to avoid compromising objectivity

Significant gifts can create real or perceived bias and should be refused or disclosed.

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative data source in a consulting diagnosis?

Answer: Focus group discussions with employees

Focus groups produce descriptive, opinion-based data rather than numerical measures.

Triangulation in consulting research refers to:

Answer: Using multiple data sources or methods to validate findings

Confirming findings with several sources or methods increases credibility.

The primary purpose of a consulting proposal is to:

Answer: Demonstrate understanding of the client's need and outline the approach, deliverables, and fees

A proposal shows the consultant grasps the problem and sets out how and at what cost it will be addressed.

Which approach best ensures recommendations are actually implemented after the engagement?

Answer: Building client ownership through participation and clear implementation plans

Client involvement and concrete action plans greatly improve implementation success.