Is consulting actually hurting our society? With Matthew Stewart

Is consulting actually hurting our society? The world and its inhabitants constitute a messy, circular, and unpredictable space. Yet management theory, which is ubiquitous and governs much of our strategic approach, seeks to transform that space into something that is linear, rational, and predictable. While society is obsessed with Peter Drucker’s “if you can't measure it, you can't improve it”, one must ask, how do we then improve on the immeasurable? How do we improve the intangible mess we have created? Perhaps, to become a better advisor, one should study philosophy instead of an MBA? Prepare to reimagine strategy. 

Guest: Matthew Stewart. Former CEO and consultant turned philosopher. Matthew wrote a controversial book called The Management Myth a while back. He took aim at major global consultancies and their pseudo-scientific approach. He was the odd man out when he wrote the book a decade ago but it seems as though he was ahead of his time as more critical voices are turning against modern management theory. 

Learning points: 

•Management theory is a blunt instrument when tackling complex business and social issues

•By outsourcing strategy and thinking to outside consultants, an organization becomes less self-reliant and resilient in face of turmoil. 

•Introduction of new public management theory in the public sector has not served society well.

•By seeking answers, values and inspiration in humanity studies such as philosophy instead of MBAs, business could become more responsible and resilient.

Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.