Consultation vs. Consultancy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
Consultation is the act of seeking expert advice, while consultancy refers to the business or agency providing that expertise.
Difference Between Consultation and Consultancy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Consultation involves the process of seeking expertise or advice on a particular matter, often involving a meeting or discussions. Consultancy, however, refers to the professional practice or firm that offers expert advice or services.
In a consultation, there's an exchange of information and advice between the consultant and the client. Consultancy, on the other hand, implies a structured organization or the service provided by it, focusing on the professional field or advisory capacity of the entity.
The outcome of a consultation is typically the provision of expert advice, guidance, or a professional opinion. Contrastingly, a consultancy may result in a broader range of services beyond advice, including implementation of strategies or management of projects.
A consultation is often a single event or series of events, whereas consultancy can represent both the function of the consulting firm and its continuous relationship with clients. Consultation is an act within the process, and consultancy is the entity or professional practice carrying out the process.
Comparison Chart
Definition
An act of consulting.
The profession of consulting or a consulting firm.
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Duration
Can be a one-time event or a series of events.
Ongoing business practice.
Focus
On receiving advice or information.
On providing professional services.
Scale
Individual meetings or discussions.
The organized entity offering services.
Grammatical Usage
Typically used as a noun.
Can be used as a noun and sometimes as an adjective (e.g., consultancy services).
Compare with Definitions
Consultation
The act of seeking expert advice.
The consultation with the doctor confirmed the need for surgery.
Consultancy
A professional practice that gives expert advice.
He works for a management consultancy.
Consultation
The process of discussing plans or problems.
The city held a public consultation about the new park.
Consultancy
The business or establishment of consultants.
The environmental consultancy released its sustainability report.
Consultation
An appointment or interview.
She set up a consultation with the financial planner.
Consultancy
An advisory capacity within a particular field.
She has a consultancy role in the company.
Consultation
A meeting to discuss something.
We scheduled a consultation with the lawyer for legal advice.
Consultancy
The position of being a consultant.
After retirement, he took up a consultancy with his former employer.
Consultation
The act or process of consulting.
Consultancy
The act or an instance of consulting.
Consultation
A conference at which advice is given or views are exchanged.
Consultancy
A business or agency offering expert or professional advice in a field
Opened a financial consultancy.
Consultation
A meeting between physicians to discuss the diagnosis or treatment of a case.
Consultancy
A position as a consultant
Accepted a three-year consultancy abroad.
Consultation
The act of consulting.
Consultancy
A consultant or consulting firm.
For a PR campaign like never before, one needs a consultancy of unprecedented scope and power.
Consultation
A conference for the exchange of information and advice.
Consultancy
The services offered by a consultant.
I've been doing IT consultancy for three years.
Consultation
An appointment or meeting with a professional person, such as a doctor.
Consultancy
The practice of giving expert advice within a particular field;
A busines management consultancy
Consultation
The act of consulting or conferring; deliberation of two or more persons on some matter, with a view to a decision.
Thus they doubtful consultations darkEnded.
Consultation
A council or conference, as of physicians, held to consider a special case, or of lawyers restained in a cause.
Consultation
A conference (usually with someone important);
He had a consultation with the judge
He requested an audience with the king
Consultation
A conference between two or more people to consider a particular question;
Frequent consultations with his lawyer
A consultation of several medical specialists
Consultation
The act of referring or consulting;
Reference to an encyclopedia produced the answer
Consultation
A professional engagement to obtain information.
The architectural consultation provided several design options.
Common Curiosities
How long does a consultation last?
It varies, from a single meeting to a series of discussions over time.
Can consultations be done online?
Yes, consultations can happen in-person, over the phone, or online.
What does consultancy mean?
It refers to the professional practice or company offering advisory services.
Can I have a consultation without hiring a consultancy?
Yes, consultations can occur independently of a formal consultancy engagement.
What is a consultation?
It's a meeting or process where expert advice is sought.
What types of services do consultancies offer?
They can offer a range of services from strategic advice to project implementation.
Do consultancies work in multiple industries?
Many consultancies specialize, but some offer services across various sectors.
Can consultants work independently of a consultancy?
Yes, consultants can operate independently, not just as part of a consultancy.
Is consultancy the same as a consulting firm?
Yes, consultancy can refer to both the practice and the firm itself.
Is a medical appointment a consultation?
Yes, any professional advice session can be termed a consultation.
Do consultations always require payment?
Generally, yes, especially when dealing with professional consultancies.
Can consultancy refer to an individual consultant’s work?
It typically refers to the services of a professional firm rather than an individual.
Are consultancies only for businesses?
No, they can also serve individuals, governments, and non-profits.
Does a consultancy have to be a large company?
No, consultancies range from individual professionals to large organizations.
Is a free initial meeting a consultation?
Yes, it's a consultation, even if it's offered for free as an introductory meeting.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
