New ways of working in high-tech consulting start-ups - How investing in employees returns with yield

Abstract

The consulting industry is gradually evolving, although it is still characterised by commission-based salaries, high levels of competition, and turnover. This paper documents an investigation into the three unconventional high-tech consulting start-ups Blank, Fink and Variant, and how they manage the work environment to foster work engagement and retain their employees in the digital era. Moreover, we strived to explore how these companies challenge conventional consulting business models. In order to investigate these aspect, the research was based on a comparative case study, allowing us to get an in-depth analysis of their internal human resource and organisational practices through the informants’ opinions, perceptions, and behaviours. As a result, this research has discovered a number of beneficial outcomes related to the innovative mentality and incorporation of work practices revolved around the employees. Consequently, our research implies that investing in employees returns with yield.