MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT ETHICS AND VALUES

Phuoc D. Nguyen

Values are long-term and sustainable beliefs about what is considered important in different situations, which guide our decisions and actions. In other words, the value is the perception of the good or the bad, right or wrong. The value represents what we want and what we have to do in the way society wants it, the value will affect the choice of our goals and the means to achieve that goal. Machuca and Costa (2011) studied the seven values of trust, transparency, flexibility, collaboration, commitment, honesty, and professionalism that affect knowledge culture, they indicated “Our results reveal that the seven values studied have a significant impact in a consulting firm. Managers must make the effort to promote and assess these values in order to create a knowledge-friendly culture within their organization.” (p. 36). Value learning is needed because value is the basis for understanding the attitude and motivation of the consultant and values affect consultant perceptions.

McKnight (2010) suggested “Good ethics are not just considered right by many, they are good business practices. They are on par with doing great work for a client. You do the great work, and it pays off in the short and long run.” (p. 219). In difficult situations consultants set specific goals and provide clear information to their clients, they will inform clients about the really difficult situations and they will never hide them.

Hagenmeyer (2007) proposed “Integrity-oriented consultants will verify whether a true consulting situation really does exist as early as the project acquisition phase. They will refuse to take jobs that seem to be bogus consulting or management substitutes or contradict their ethical business principles and their philosophy, which should focus on the common good.” (p. 112). Consultants who always apply principles of professional ethics such as they are always being responsible for their duty; they are responsible to clients, consulting companies, and partners; meet clients’ legitimate requirements of customers to serve clients with the best value and trust before, during, and after consulting project; keep confidential all clients information, respect client; they are integrity, honest; and hold independent and objectivity to consulting projects.

Vallini (2007) defined “Consultants are intellectual workers. All of them have direct and personal relationships with clients. The ethics of the firm with its workers influence their ethical behavior with the clients.” (p. 33). The consulting profession not only requires professional skills but also respected ethical contributions. Therefore, the professional spirit of the community exceeds the scope of the profession. Therefore, it assumes a wider role in the society.