|
The pressures of change and globalization are broadening the scope of learning an organization need to prepare for the future. Companies of all sizes are seeking help from consultants in strengthening themselves for international competition and rapid technological change. The growing significance of is illustrated by the fact that 61 per cent of the 1559 top managers in 12 countries surveyed by CSS (Customer Satisfaction Surveys) reported that their company had brought consultants in on at least one strategic project in the past year. But unlike many organizations, it is important to understand the various approaches strategy consultants follow to help an organization plan for the future and whether that is the right fit for an organization. Based on the organisational learning which strategy consultants undergo and the awareness of behavioural and cognitive dimension they allow in themselves, consultants can be divided in the following classes: Type 1: This class of strategy consultants have the knowledge of different strategies organisations follow in one more sectors. These consultants believe that existing proven strategy is the key to riskless growth and recommend their clients to follow one of the successful strategies available. The flaw in such kind of strategy can range from different markets to different potential of organisations which if not taken into account can lead to failure of even an existing successful strategy. Type 2: This class of strategy consultants are generally innovative and look for new ideas but they generally stop after they have found an innovative strategy and put a lot of emphasis on the single new found idea. Organizations can suffer if consultants put too much belief on their new found strategy and see only the positive points since first of all the idea is not tested in market place and secondly too much dependency on one idea can lead organization wide losses if the idea fails to show its feasibility. Type 3: This class of strategy consultants are aggressive in seeking knowledge and providing knowledge. They believe that they know what is best for an organization. They conduct all the study on their own and offer a strategy to the organization. One important aspect they overlook is the fit of the strategy with the organization which is one reason behind failure of such strategies. Type 4: This class of strategy consultants use their own research and experience to help an organization evolve by partially collaborating with the organization. The strategy fit is better in this case but since collaboration is partial the need for these consultants is constantly felt to seamlessly implement the strategy the way it is proposed. Type 5: This class of strategy consultants use their own experience as well as help an organization evolve in strategizing by providing full-fledged collaboration in the strategy planning as well as implementation stage if needed. This class of consultants help organizations in building capabilities over time which helps in better strategy formulation. Type 6: This class of strategy consultants are the most resourceful of all classes so far discussed. They possess quality research knowledge, chooses specific teams from organization’s best resources and help by imparting knowledge and capabilities needed to formulate as well as implement the right strategy. They understand the capabilities of organisation better and hence are able to devise effective ways of imparting capabilities which lasts longer in the organization. They constantly ideate new and innovative ideas and through their knowledge base and understanding of organizational capabilities are able to gel innovative strategies in one of the best manners possible. This class of consultants are the most open and most evolved in the task of strategizing. An organisation gains the most when they deal with class 5 or class 6 strategy consultants. It is hence very important to understand the uniqueness and approach strategy consultants bring with them. We recommend you start your research today!! For more information Visit this Site.
Related Articles -
strategy-consultants, strategic-consultancy,
| 
