Fincham, Robin, Clark, T. (Timothy), Handley, Karen and Sturdy, Andrew. (2008) Configuring expert knowledge : the consultant as sector specialist. Journal of Organizational Behavior, Vol.29 (No.8, Sp. Iss. SI). pp. 1145-1160. ISSN 0894-3796

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Abstract

This study defines an aspect of consultant knowledge that provides credibility without claiming unrealistic status for a field like consulting. Our focus is the "sector knowledge" that consultants accumulate which derives from repeated assignments in the industrial sector in which the client organization resides. This has been under-researched partly because of an emphasis oil knowledge as technique and method. But knowledge configured around the sector enables consultants to play the role of the outside expert and draw oil a language and experiences held in common with the client. The paper explores the role of consultants as sector intermediaries through a case study of contemporary management consulting in a UK local authority. We see "the sector" as air alternative type of knowledge formation salient for a client-centered occupation like consulting. We also explore sector knowledge as a negotiated setting and dispel overly simple notions of know-how being "brought to" the client. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Business consultants, Organizational behavior, Knowledge management
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Organizational Behavior
Publisher:	John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
ISSN:	0894-3796
Date:	November 2008
Volume:	Vol.29
Number:	No.8, Sp. Iss. SI
Number of Pages:	16
Page Range:	pp. 1145-1160
Identification Number:	10.1002/job.559
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
Grant number:	RES-334-25-0004 (ESRC)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/28973

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