Essay On Process And Process Consulting

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Content and process consulting are both processes used with the end goal of solving a problem within an organization. However, the two are quite different in meaning and distinct versions. According to Schein (1978), content involves what the problem is and the duties to be carried out. Whereas, he describes process as involving the techniques used to solve and define the problem. Schein (1978) compares content to items such as, agendas, solutions and ideas discussed during staff meetings. In that same meeting, he compares process to being the documented occurrence of the communication patterns such as, who talked to who, which individuals asked questions, etc. Along with these main difference of process and content consulting, below is a more specific breakdown of the differences between the two consulting processes. According to Rockwood (1993), process consulting focuses more on how the problems are figured out. He states that in the process consulting model, the client owns their problem and works with the consultant to develop solutions, all while staying within the realms of the organizations goals and values. The consultant brings and shares their knowledge of how to problem solve to the client (Schein, 1978). An important factor of the process consulting model is that input from the client is highly encouraged. The impact of …show more content…

One model is the catalyst model. According to Schein (1978), with the catalyst model the consultant does not go in to the process knowing solutions. He states that the organizational consultant embodies the skills needed to assist the client in investigating the correct solutions for the problem. The second model of the process consulting is the facilitator model. Unlike the catalyst model, a consultant using the facilitator model has potential solutions, however, instead of immediately implementing those solutions the consultant works with the client to problem

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