In today's ever-evolving business landscape, companies and organisations are seeking new perspectives to navigate complex (societal) challenges. While anthropologists might not be the first professionals that come to mind for business consulting, their unique skill set offers incredible value in this sphere. In this article, I will share a few reasons why hiring a consultant with an anthropological background might well be a secret weapon in business and organisational settings.
Deep Understanding of Human Behaviour
At its core, anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures. It is interested in everything that might implicitly or explicitly be linked to human nature. Essentially, it offers a deep understanding of human behaviour, which in turn can also offer profound insights into the dynamics of an organisation. Anthropologists can decode the cultural DNA of a company, identify potential bottlenecks, and propose strategies for more effective collaboration.
Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability
In an era of globalisation, businesses operate in multicultural environments. Having a consultant with cultural sensitivity can help companies understand and appreciate the cultural nuances that influence business operations. With their ethnographic skills, anthropologists can navigate these multicultural terrains with finesse, facilitating better communication and cooperation.
Holistic Problem-Solving Approach
Anthropologists excel in taking a holistic view of situations. They don’t see problems in isolation; instead, they consider the larger cultural, social, and economic context. This approach is invaluable in business consultancy, where it's essential to consider the broader implications of a problem and its potential solutions.
Innovative Insights from Qualitative Research
Quantitative data is crucial in business, but it's the qualitative insights that often drive innovation. Anthropologists are trained in qualitative research methods such as interviews, observation, and ethnography. These techniques can provide rich insights into employee behaviour, customer preferences, and market trends, enabling companies to obtain a competitive edge.
Effective Communication Across Boundaries
With their understanding of language and symbolism, anthropologists can bridge communication gaps within a diverse workforce or between a company and its clientele. They can help craft compelling narratives that resonate across different cultural contexts, making them excellent mediators and storytellers in a business setting.
Ethical Considerations and Corporate Social Responsibility
Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of ethical practices and social responsibility. With their background in studying societal norms and values, anthropologists can advise companies on how to align their practices with societal expectations and ethical standards.
In conclusion, the anthropological skill set brings a unique blend of understanding human behaviour, cultural adaptability, holistic problem-solving, and ethical considerations to the table. Anthropologists can play a critical role in identifying and addressing underlying issues that traditional business perspectives might overlook. By hiring an anthropologist as a business consultant, companies can gain a competitive edge, foster a culturally-sensitive environment, and devise innovative solutions that consider the bigger picture.
Stay tuned for the monthly series ‘Anthropos at Work'. In this series, I will highlight the different roles in which anthropologists shine. These articles will underscore the broad range of skills that anthropologists bring to diverse fields, proving that their expertise is not confined to academia, but provides incredible value in the practical world too. And let us know: would you consider hiring a business consultant with an anthropological flavour?