C. Bertrand Thompson and management consulting in Europe, 1917-1934

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to highlight myriad accomplishments of C. Bertrand Thompson, who is perhaps most well known as a scientific-management bibliographer and a Taylor disciple, in the belief that his contributions as a pioneer management theorist and consultant in Europe deserve to be more widely known and more deeply appreciated. Design/methodology/approach – Archival, primary and secondary sources were used in the research. Findings – Thompson was among the first to bring management consulting to Europe. He understood the importance of adapting scientific-management principles to meet the diverse needs of each client for whom he consulted. Thompson’s strong belief and value system remained constant throughout his life. Practical implications – Understanding the needs of customers or clients and adapting systems to meet those needs is essential in achieving success as a consultant. Originality/value – By drawing on rarely accessed published and unpublished materials, this paper discusses Thompson’s many contributions to management thought and practice, most of which previously have not been highlighted in the referent literature.