[danieltillett]

I wonder why if this is the case that someone hasn’t tried to create a “discount” management consulting service which aims to give management cover, but without all the first class travel and high living. It can’t cost that much to put together a flashy powerpoint presentation.

[SandB0x]

The high cost is part of the service. "We spared no expense planning this failed initiative and hired the best consultants. What more could we have done?"

[TulliusCicero]

Prestige is part of what you're paying for, though.

[anon8418]

That is not part, it is ALL that you are paying for.

What is the difference between McK and Deloitte? One has Harvard grads the other has Cornell grads. The analysis is the same, but one is just wrapped up in a prettier package and more prestige.

[danieltillett]

Are there not managers looking for cover that don’t care about prestige? I can understand the need for cover when making controversial decisions, but not why it needs to be expensive.

[twic]

The same reason there aren't "discount" Rolls-Royces:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veblen_good