Secrecy seems to be a crucial part of MO
ANN CROTTY: McKinsey’s cult of secrecy
McKinsey’s 'byzantine and secretive' MD selection process makes the process of selecting a pope look like a hotbed of democracy
How appropriate that one of the most powerful organisations in the world seems to take guidance on leadership issues from the Vatican, another of the world’s most powerful organisations. The primary difference is that the Vatican is far less secretive about selecting a pope than consulting company McKinsey is about selecting a replacement for MD Dominic Barton. The Financial Times recently carried a chilling account of McKinsey’s "byzantine and secretive" MD selection process. It makes the papal process look like a hotbed of democracy. As for transparency, well there is none. And don’t expect to see white smoke once the decision is made. Presumably insiders face the McKinsey equivalent of hellfire and damnation if they breathe a word to pagan outsiders. For an organisation that makes a fortune advising powerful corporations and government entities on leadership, this approach is worrying.Secrecy seems to be a crucial part of McKinsey’s MO — as it is of other big consulting groups, s...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.