Buyer beware! How cognitive biases can influence the hiring of consultants by public servants

Abstract

IMPACT: This article presents an innovative perspective on improving the way public sector organizations hire consultants, targeting practitioners involved in the procurement and management of consultancy projects. The article delves into the role of individual public servants in the hiring process and considers how unconscious mental shortcuts or cognitive biases could influence their decisions. The authors provide concrete examples of how biases could shape the hiring of consultants and then offer pragmatic solutions to mitigate the impact of these unconscious processes. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on system-level reforms, this article empowers practitioners with actionable insights to enhance the quality and effectiveness of consultancy engagements. This article is essential reading for practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of consultancy hiring in the public sector and move towards a more value-driven use of external expertise.