Agent-based modelling on a computer appears to have a special role to play in the development of social science. It offers a means of discovering general and applicable social theory, and grounding it in precise assumptions and derivations, whilst addressing those elements of individual cognition that are central to human society. However, there are important questions to be asked and difficulties to overcome in achieving this potential. What differentiates agent-based modelling from traditional computer modelling? Which model types should be used under which circumstances? If it is...

This broad, balanced introduction to studies devoted to organizational consultation enables the reader to compare and contrast different approaches to the study of professional consulting services. Organizational consultation is a type of interaction between two organizations: client and consultant. The interaction of client and consultant is described and explained from the point of view of nine different theoretical perspectives: symbolic interactionism (Mead, Blumer, Turner), Weberian organizational theory, new institutional economics (Jensen, Meckling, Williamson), dramaturgical sociology...