Strategic Synergy Unveiled: A Bibliomatric Odyssey into AI's Impact on Management Consulting

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the evolving impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on management consulting through both bibliometric and systematic review. Most of the authors have used either bibliometric or SLR in the past. It aims to provide insights into AI’s influence on consulting practices, highlighting key themes such as operational efficiency, human-AI collaboration, and ethical challenges.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A bibliometric analysis of 195 scholarly publications (2010– 2024) was conducted using VOSviewer to map research trends, thematic clusters, and collaborative networks. A systematic literature review was also performed on a subset of 37 studies to extract more profound insights into AI's role in consulting.

Findings: The analysis identifies a significant increase in AI-related consulting research post 2018. Dominant themes include AI-driven decision-making, consultant client dynamics, and sustainability. Emerging trends emphasize the integration of AI into strategic decision-making and the development of frameworks for ethical AI governance.

Originality/Value: This work combines systematic review methods with bibliometric visualization to provide a new synthesis of research on AI in management consulting. It fills critical knowledge gaps by exploring AI's long-term strategic influence on consulting practices, its role in promoting sustainability, and the development of consultant competencies. Additionally, this study addresses underexplored areas such as the ethical challenges of AI integration, interdisciplinary approaches to understanding human-AI collaboration, and regional disparities in AI adoption, particularly in emerging markets. By bridging these gaps, the paper offers actionable insights for practitioners and a robust foundation for future academic inquiry.

Practical and Social Implications: The findings provide consulting professionals with actionable strategies for adopting AI responsibly, fostering innovation, and addressing ethical and societal challenges. The study underscores the need for sustainable AI practices that align with global goals.