Knowledge transfer in consulting companies: the consequences of remote training. A multiple case study on the Italian consulting industry facing the training challenges of Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact, bringing changes that can be considered definitive. The purpose of this research is to analyse the way knowledge is transmitted during the training process in Italian consulting firms as a consequence of remote working. This study aims to investigate in particular the major difficulties encountered by consulting companies in dealing with the necessity of having to carry out training in an online environment and the solutions that have been implemented to overcome these obstacles. To achieve this goal, a qualitative study was carried out by interviewing both trainers and trainees of leading Italian consulting companies. The results led to the creation of a framework that summarises the decisions and solutions adopted by companies and to the identification of a new training model. At the same time they showed how, despite countless attempts, it is still not possible to convey contents and skills that are particularly related to socialisation and interpersonal relationships through remote training.