Rituals and rules: about magic in consultancy

Author(s): Schuijt, J. J. M.

Journal/Book: J Organ Change Manage. 1998; 11: 60/62 Toller Lane, Bradford BD8 9BY, W Yorkshire, England. Mcb Univ Press Ltd. 399.

Abstract: Consultants are oiled in when managers of corporations and organizations face major changes. Cultural changes and transitions from one stage of development to another are among the subjects studied in cultural anthropology. This article looks at how cultural anthropological insights into transition rituals can be applied to consultancy practice. It is postulated that one of the roles played by the consultant in this context is that of a magician who guides the transition from the old to the new with not only rituals, but also rules. This approach has so far received little attention in management and consultancy literature. The article is rounded off with some conclusions.

Note: Article Schuyt TNM, Vrije Univ Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): beliefs; consultancy; intervention; organizational change; rules; theory

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