“Consulting” is the explanation of facts based on knowledge and analysis in connection with an assessment of alternative courses of action derived from it, which results in a recommendation.

A “consultant” in the professional sense is a natural person who, in the course of his or her professional activity, is primarily concerned with providing explanations of facts based on knowledge and analysis in connection with an assessment of alternative courses of action that result in a recommendation.

“Consultants” in the institutional sense are partnerships, corporations or institutions which, in the context of their commercial activity, primarily offer the professional service of “consulting” in the sense of an explanation of facts based on knowledge and analysis in conjunction with the derived evaluative presentation of alternative courses of action, which results in a recommendation. “Consultants” in the institutional sense are also referred to as “consulting firms”, “consulting company” or “consultancy”.

The “advisory service” offered by “advisors” can be directed at various groups of addressees. In many cases, individual consultants specialise in specific target groups, such as management consultants, management consultants or political consultants.

In addition, specialisation with regard to the subject matter of the consulting is customary. Functional specialisation is widespread, as is the case with strategy consultants, for example. At present, specialisation in digital change, digitisation and digital transformation is of particular importance. Digitalization consultants and digital consultants are active in this area.