Are management consultants useful?: Amid the snake oil and the scandals, the industry provides a valuable service.

The article shows the valuable service provided by management consultants to industries. It refers to outside opinion and specialist knowledge as the two beneficial services offered by consultants to corporate bosses or politicians. It suggests the role of a consultant in bolstering the credibility of a firm when bosses want to push for controversial decisions, as well as in spreading productivity-enhancing activities. Emphasis is given on the need for consultancies to adopt a code of conduct.