“I just wanted to slap the client, but hey” An update on the states of dissonance experienced by management consultants[« J’avais juste envie de baffer le client, mais bon » Une mise au jour des états de dissonance ressentie par les consultants en management]

Using the dissonance theories, this article highlights the sources of dissonance experienced by consultants as well as the organizational practices that may reduce it. Based on observations within a management consulting firm and nineteen interviews with its consultants and managers, this research reveals two phenomena: 1) the phenomenon of cognitive dissonance caused by a gap between the skills or professional aspirations of consultants and the type of missions to which they are assigned, and 2) the phenomenon of emotional dissonance caused by the clients' disrespectful behavior. These results contribute to the existing literature by underlining the normative dimension of the dissonances caused by a gap between the professional standards of the profession and the actual practices of firms and clients. We also highlight how managerial and social support are likely to moderate the dissonances felt by consultants.