What we can learn from Plato about management consultants' knowledge claims

What is it about?

This paper compares the academic literature on management consulting with Plato’s criticisms of the poets, and his theory of knowledge and belief, in The Republic. Like the ancient poets, consultants often seek to persuade clients of their knowledge claims through rhetoric and stories rather than verifiable accounts, which in Plato’s view was the essential condition for any claim to knowledge. Unlike the poets, consultants can and should rely on empirical evidence to promote their services and solutions.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Management consultants frequently make claims to knowledge that they support with rhetoric and story-telling rather than with clear accounts that explain and justify those claims. This paper analyses the problems and its potential solutions.

Perspectives