In the current financial and economic crisis, public concern of a value-based economic system grows. The demand by politicians, economists and the society for ethics-oriented behaviour in the market increases and thus questions the prevailing system of worldwide managerial capitalism. Especially in Germany, the rising awareness for bad business practices calls for a change in values. This development not only affects the providers of products and services, but also has significant impacts on their strategic and operational advisors: the industry of management consulting.
Against this background, the present masters dissertation examines the extent to which the principles of integrative consulting ethics are incorporated in management consulting firms in Germany. To this end, the determinants of awareness, institutionalisation, application and enforcement of ethics integration in organisations are assessed. This work represents the first academic approach to researching the practical application of thoroughly reflected ethics-oriented guidelines and standards in the industry management consulting.
After a general introduction into the topic, the theoretical framework research provides the background of the work done in the field of ethics in management consulting, namely integrative consulting ethics. The empirical part employs a multi-method approach: firstly, a quantitative survey was carried out via the BDU (Association of German Management Consultants) and produced a total of 194 responses, thus providing a statistical relevance for the results; and secondly, qualitative interviews were led with four representatives of large management consulting firms in Germany, leading to a series of conclusive deductions.
The drawn up conclusions show that the level of incorporating the principles of integrative consulting ethics in management consulting firms in Germany is generally low. Awareness for the topic is superficial, leading to deficient institutionalisation; furthermore, application is suggested to be very weak and enforcement appears to be practically non-existent. Finally, the outlook and the recommendations act as a reference to improve the current status quo of the industry in the light of a rising importance of value-oriented activity within the economic system.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 1.1 Personal background and motivation
- 1.2 Relevance of ethics in management consulting
- 1.3 Research question and investigative aims
- 2 Theoretical background: Integrative consulting ethics
- 2.1 Management consulting
- 2.1.1 Definition
- 2.1.2 Historical development
- 2.1.3 Management consulting in Germany
- 2.2 Business ethics
- 2.2.1 Definition
- 2.2.2 Business ethics in Germany
- 2.3 Integrative consulting ethics
- 2.1 Management consulting
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This master's dissertation examines the integration of integrative consulting ethics within German management consulting firms. The study aims to assess the determinants of awareness, institutionalization, application, and enforcement of ethical guidelines within the industry. It represents a pioneering academic investigation into the practical application of ethics-oriented standards in management consulting.
- The level of integration of integrative consulting ethics in German management consulting firms.
- Determinants influencing the awareness, institutionalization, application, and enforcement of ethical guidelines.
- The practical application of ethics-oriented guidelines and standards in the management consulting industry.
- Comparison of theoretical frameworks of integrative consulting ethics with practical implementation.
- Recommendations for improving the ethical standards within the German management consulting industry.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the dissertation. It begins with the author's personal background and motivation for undertaking this research, highlighting the growing public concern about ethical conduct in business, particularly within the context of the ongoing financial crisis. The chapter then establishes the relevance of ethics in management consulting, emphasizing the significant impact of consultants' actions on businesses and society. Finally, it clearly articulates the research question and outlines the aims of the study, which focuses on the extent to which the principles of integrative consulting ethics are incorporated into German management consulting firms.
2 Theoretical background: Integrative consulting ethics: This chapter provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation for the subsequent empirical analysis. It begins by defining management consulting, tracing its historical development, and specifically focusing on the German context, including market size, structure, and the role of the BDU (Association of German Management Consultants). The chapter then delves into the concept of business ethics, defining key terms like "ethics" and "discourse ethics," and examining its historical influence and current issues in Germany. Finally, it introduces and defines "integrative consulting ethics," tracing its historical development and laying the groundwork for understanding the framework used to assess ethical integration in German management consulting firms. The chapter meticulously links management consulting practices, business ethics, and the specific concept of integrative consulting ethics to provide a robust theoretical lens for the research.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Integrative consulting ethics, management consulting, business ethics, Germany, ethical awareness, institutionalization, application, enforcement, qualitative research, quantitative research, online survey, interviews, BDU.
FAQ: Master's Dissertation on Integrative Consulting Ethics in German Management Consulting Firms
What is the main topic of this master's dissertation?
This dissertation investigates the integration of integrative consulting ethics within German management consulting firms. It explores the awareness, institutionalization, application, and enforcement of ethical guidelines within the industry.
What are the key objectives of the research?
The study aims to assess:
- The level of integration of integrative consulting ethics in German management consulting firms.
- Determinants influencing the awareness, institutionalization, application, and enforcement of ethical guidelines.
- The practical application of ethics-oriented guidelines and standards in the management consulting industry.
- A comparison of theoretical frameworks of integrative consulting ethics with practical implementation.
- Recommendations for improving the ethical standards within the German management consulting industry.
What theoretical background is used in the dissertation?
The dissertation builds upon a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing management consulting (including its definition, historical development, and the German context), business ethics (with a focus on German perspectives), and, crucially, integrative consulting ethics. The study meticulously links these three areas to provide a robust lens for the research.
What are the key themes explored in the dissertation?
Key themes include the level of ethical awareness in the industry, how ethical guidelines are institutionalized, the practical application of these guidelines, enforcement mechanisms, and the comparison between theoretical frameworks and real-world implementation.
What methods are likely used in this research?
While not explicitly stated, the mention of "qualitative research," "quantitative research," "online survey," and "interviews" suggests a mixed-methods approach was likely employed.
What is the significance of the BDU (Association of German Management Consultants)?
The BDU is mentioned in the context of the German management consulting landscape, suggesting its role and influence on the industry's ethical standards are analyzed within the study.
What are the key words associated with this dissertation?
Key words include: Integrative consulting ethics, management consulting, business ethics, Germany, ethical awareness, institutionalization, application, enforcement, qualitative research, quantitative research, online survey, interviews, BDU.
What is included in the table of contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction covering personal background, the relevance of ethics in consulting, and the research question. A theoretical background section covers management consulting, business ethics, and integrative consulting ethics. Further chapters (not detailed) are implied.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide brief overviews of the content and findings of each chapter, offering a concise understanding of the research progression.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Hauser (Author), 2009, Ethics in Management Consulting, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/135704
