ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the symbiotic relationship between the client, the management skills of the consultant and the application and relevance of robust research methods to solve client problems in a value adding way. The chapter begins by discussing the importance of deploying rigorous research techniques in concert with effective client management in order to ask the important, correct research questions. This involves working more closely with the client than a conventional academic researcher would and is more rigorous than a typical consultancy engagement. It requires an action learning approach (Revans, 1983) whereby mutual symbiosis (Dayasindhu, 2002) of shared knowledge acquisition is achieved through a deep, affective and trusting relationship. The principles of applied research are discussed followed by a discussion of the client-consultant relationship using the 7 Cs of consulting (Cope, 2010). An application of research is subsequently discussed using two case studies from a critical realist, ontological standpoint (Bhaskar, 1975).