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Reflecting on the growth of state spending on management consultancy this brief article argues that much of this spending has been wasteful or misdirected. Observing that in Britain much of the state’s spending on consultancy has taken place during periods of recession the article argues that spending on consultancy may be likened to spending on public works, or the “follies” commissioned by private benefactors, which traditionally have been designed to maintain levels of economic activity and employment.

Argues that the assumptions which drive consultancy research are flawed, since they are based on the premiss that key management problems revolve around uncertainty when, in fact, management is ambiguous rather than uncertain. Analyses the effect of this understanding on management consultancy. Suggests that consultants should embark on a process of self‐development to enable them to understand the worlds of work which others must experience.

Sets out to encourage a critical reappraisal of the models and practices of management consultancy. Tracing the historical development of management consultancy, argues that management thinking and practice has been unduly influenced by management consultants who have made use of flawed and increasingly faddish ideas and models. Examining these fads, and the groups who have promoted them, concludes by arguing that managers should dispense with the services of management consultants, and should instead learn to understand the world of work as experienced by their employees.