From intuition to knowledge: the scientific consolidation of management consulting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution of management consulting from an experience-based professional practice to an increasingly consolidated scientific field. By systematically reviewing the academic literature, the study aims to identify the main conceptual foundations, influential authors, thematic trends, and emerging research streams that have shaped the development of management consulting over time. In doing so, the paper seeks to contribute to a clearer understanding of the discipline's intellectual structure and its ongoing process of academic institutionalization. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a systematic literature review combined with bibliometric analysis. Following the PRISMA guidelines, relevant publications were identified, screened, and selected from the Scopus database. A final sample of 136 articles published between 1980 and 2025 was analyzed using Biblioshiny within the R environment. Descriptive and relational bibliometric techniques were applied to examine publication trends, authorship patterns, sources, geographical distribution, and thematic networks, allowing for a comprehensive mapping of the field's intellectual landscape. Findings This study adopts a systematic literature review combined with bibliometric analysis. Following the PRISMA guidelines, relevant publications were identified, screened, and selected from the Scopus database. A final sample of 136 articles published between 1980 and 2025 was analyzed using Biblioshiny within the R environment. Descriptive and relational bibliometric techniques were applied to examine publication trends, authorship patterns, sources, geographical distribution, and thematic networks, allowing for a comprehensive mapping of the field's intellectual landscape. Research limitations/implications This study is subject to limitations inherent to bibliometric and systematic review approaches. First, the analysis is based exclusively on the Scopus database, which may exclude relevant publications indexed elsewhere. Second, the findings rely on bibliometric indicators and thematic co-occurrence, which capture structural patterns but do not assess the substantive quality or causal impact of individual studies. Despite these limitations, the results provide a robust foundation for future research, particularly empirical and qualitative studies aimed at deepening the understanding of knowledge production and value creation in management consulting. Practical implications The findings offer practical insights for consultants, consulting firms, and organizational decision-makers. By identifying dominant themes and emerging research streams, the study helps practitioners understand how management consulting is evolving toward digital, knowledge-intensive, and sustainability-oriented practices. Consulting firms may use these insights to align capability development, talent profiles, and service portfolios with contemporary demands. Additionally, the results can inform professional training programs by highlighting the growing importance of digital competencies, interdisciplinary knowledge, and reflective practice in consulting work. Social implications From a social perspective, this study highlights the role of management consulting as a mechanism for knowledge diffusion and organizational learning within increasingly complex and digitalized societies. By supporting more informed decision making, consulting practices can contribute to organizational adaptability, responsible innovation and sustainable development. The growing emphasis on digital transformation and knowledge management also underscores the need for inclusive skill development and ethical awareness ensuring that consulting-driven transformations generate broader societal value beyond purely economic outcomes. Originality/value This study provides an integrative and up-to-date overview of the management consulting literature by combining a systematic review with bibliometric mapping techniques. By revealing the intellectual structure and thematic evolution of the field, this paper offers original insights into the scientific consolidation of management consulting. The findings contribute to both scholars and practitioners by clarifying dominant research streams, identifying underexplored areas, and highlighting opportunities for future research in an increasingly digital and knowledge-intensive consulting landscape.