Accenture, a consultancy firm, has admitted to strategically using “power maps” to categorise Australian federal officials based on influence, facilitating the acquisition of substantial government contracts valued at $528 million.

With this announcement, concerns about ethics arise due to the potential influence on the public service sector, as these discrete maps were implemented in the bidding processes. To truly discover the extent of the controversy, different perspectives from prominent consulting firms must be viewed and considered, and the ongoing investigation aimed at understanding the practice’s implications. This article will explore how such mapping could influence government-contractor interactions and transparency.

The Accenture controversy

As mentioned, Accenture, a consultancy firm, has admitted to obtaining and utilising the so-called “power maps” of Australian federal officials. With these “power maps”, Accenture was able to increase its chances of obtaining government contracts. 

These “power maps” contain categorisations of various officials based on their influence, personality traits, and relationships with competitors. The firm then applies these maps in the bidding process for various government projects. The power maps enable Accenture to identify key decision-makers, assess the level of influence different officials have within their teams, and evaluate how favourably these officials view Accenture.

The power maps also monitor internal conflicts within government departments and unfavourable relationships among colleagues. Furthermore, they monitor any links public employees may have with competing consulting businesses and assess the strength of such connections. These maps are not generally disseminated; instead, they are restricted and shared only with employees with a legitimate need for the information.

During a parliamentary inquiry into consultants, Peter Burns, Accenture’s market lead for Australia and New Zealand, detailed these power maps. He explained that they use them to understand clients’ desired outcomes and provide suitable solutions, especially when it comes to effecting organisational changes within the client’s establishment.

Ethical concerns being raised

Despite the assurances, ethical concerns persist; Labor senator Deborah O’Neill argues that consulting firms attempt to influence the public service inappropriately through “power mapping. Despite this controversy, Accenture secured substantial contracts with the Australian government, surpassing those of larger consulting firms like KPMG, Deloitte, and PwC. Other major consulting firms denied engaging in similar power mapping practices but may undergo further scrutiny in upcoming inquiry hearings.

Accenture stressed its adherence to probity regulations during the tendering process and its avoidance of interactions with persons involved in the tender decision-making process. The company uses power maps to evaluate possible client projects and integrates them into its account planning processes.

Despite concerns about the reputation of other consulting firms, Accenture needed to adjust its internal policies due to such issues. The company insists that it incorporates power maps into its routine operating practices, not as a reaction to external events.

In conclusion, while Accenture’s development and use of “power maps” may offer advantages, their presence and use raise serious ethical problems. This arises due to concerns such as excessive influence, manipulation of decision-makers’ perspectives, and a lack of openness in the process, all of which contradict the values of fairness and integrity in contract bidding.

As the story unfolds, it illustrates the difficult balance that must be struck to maintain public trust and uphold the consulting industry’s credibility. Striking a harmonious balance between private-sector interests and the public benefit remains critical to ensuring a level playing field and upholding governance ethics.

Jomar Teves

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After four years in business school and working for multinational clients, Jomar believes he can improve the world through his writings via Public Spectrum, by informing the public on the latest news and updates happening around the government and society. Jomar has eight years experience as a writer and has a degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Marketing.

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