<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>This paper critically examines the principle of professional independence in the consulting industry, focusing on ethical challenges through the lenses of consequentialism and stakeholder theory. Utilizing a case study involving a Dutch media company’s acquisition bid, the analysis reveals the tension between maintaining professional independence and succumbing to client pressures, resulting in an inflated and ultimately unsuccessful bid. The discussion highlights the importance of consultants adhering to ethical standards, considering all stakeholders’ interests, and maintaining objectivity to ensure long-term beneficial outcomes. By integrating stakeholder theory and consequentialism, the paper underscores the necessity of ethical rigor and professional integrity in consulting practices.</p>
</abstract>

This paper critically examines the principle of professional independence in the consulting industry, focusing on ethical challenges through the lenses of consequentialism and stakeholder theory. Utilizing a case study involving a Dutch media company’s acquisition bid, the analysis reveals the tension between maintaining professional independence and succumbing to client pressures, resulting in an inflated and ultimately unsuccessful bid. The discussion highlights the importance of consultants adhering to ethical standards, considering all stakeholders’ interests, and maintaining objectivity to ensure long-term beneficial outcomes. By integrating stakeholder theory and consequentialism, the paper underscores the necessity of ethical rigor and professional integrity in consulting practices.

Foundations and Challenges: Ethics in Consulting

Management Consulting Journal

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

{"article-title":"Foundations and Challenges: Ethics in Consulting"}

This paper critically examines the principle of professional independence in the consulting industry, focusing on ethical challenges through the lenses of...

Foundations and Challenges: Ethics in Consulting

Published Online: Jun 10, 2024

Page range: 74 - 79

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/mcj-2024-0008

© 2024 Frederieke Scheenstra, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.