This volume investigates the structural evolution and operational dynamics of the management consulting industry as a global knowledge-based sector. The authors, Lars Engwall and Matthias Kipping, curate a collection of original research that examines the field through three distinct analytical lenses: the historical development of the industry, the internal organizational structures of consulting firms, and the complex relationship dynamics inherent in client-consultant projects. By synthesizing international case studies, the text provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how consulting firms function and adapt within diverse corporate environments.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational academic text for understanding the multi-level complexities of the consulting profession. Readers frequently note the scholarly density of the research, which makes it a valuable resource for students and practitioners interested in the institutional history and organizational behavior of knowledge-intensive firms.