Time Doesn't Change Much: The History of Business Consulting

When you look up the “history of business/management consulting” on the Web the earliest date that you will find is 1886. This is because this was the year that the first management consulting firm was founded (named Arthur D. Little INC.) Don’t let these sources fool you, business consulting goes back far beyond the 1880’s. In fact, business consulting has been done for thousands and thousands of years, it just hasn’t been officially claimed until the mid-1800s.

The old fashion version of Supply Chain Management?

Let’s go all the way back to Ancient Rome. During this era, a group of people or a “class of citizens” first to form the Roman Army cavalry called Equestrians. What does the army have to do with business consulting? Equestrians were high up on the food-chain of power and due to a number of policies, many of the Equestrians became businessmen. These warriors’ gone businessmen became experts in many different fields such as banking, exporting, governing etc.

As a result of their expertise and experience, these Equestrians became powerful assets within the world of financial administration. Those who chose to take the path of the Equestrians entered onto a fast-track to administration and consulting. In looking at what career paths these Equestrians took we are able to see a common thread of expertise. For example, the occupation of an exporter may be compared to the occupation of one who studies the degree of supply chain management today. In all occupations, people skills were essential. A similar knowledge and ability is required now

 to be a business consultant today as it was in the past (minus the military service of course).

Due to the status of an Equites, administration was a large part of his career path both in the military as well as in business. Similarly, in today’s world the most common degree attained by current business consultants is business administration/management. This is of significance to enter into the world of business consulting. To find success requires an elite understanding of the ins and outs of business as well as an ability to communicate, direct, and oversee business transactions.

The argument of the necessity of an academic understanding against on the job learning remains an important question. While the Romans felt on the job experience was sufficient, now days an academic study is often required for large success in the business administration and consulting world.

This understanding and these skills are important to develop but not enough. It has been said, “It is not what you know, but who you know.” This cannot be any more accurate. Yes, skill is important but just as Equestrians found success as a result of their status and ethos, so too business consultants find success through making connections or networking.

The world of consulting has furthered dramatically as a result of our ability to communicate as well as the immense opportunities for business and economics of our day. Ultimately, the concept of business consulting has lived for thousands of years and continues to accelerate exponentially today. 

Sources:

Paul Heathcote

Natural Knack Incorperated.

"The Roman Empire in the First Century: Equestrians." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2014. http://www.pbs.org/empires/

Leonhardt, David. "A Matter of Degree? Not for Consultants." The New York Times. The New York Times, 30 Sept. 2000. Web. 04 Dec. 2014.