Managers and Consulting: A Total Quality Perspective

A total quality approach to management development must understand that managerial reliance on formal authority is no longer a sufficient basis for effectiveness. The primary weapon of competition has become the manager′s ability to gain access to and mobilize the knowledge dispersed in his organization. Total quality means that we recognize that managers are inexorably being driven towards consulting relationships. If managers are to be effective, they must understand the characteristics of the consulting relationship. They must understand its levels and phases, and must master its skills. Highlights the importance of the consulting relationship in a total quality approach to the future development of managers. Presents a model of the consulting relationship and examines several issues which should be considered in a total quality approach to developing a manager′s consulting skills.