Value-based management consulting in a third world country located within the United States

The Navajo Nation (the Navajo Reservation in the western United States) appears to be a third world country within the boundaries of one of the most prosperous and technically advanced countries in the world. This paper discusses the cultural and economic factors that have been ignored by business consultants to the Native Americans, especially the Navajo. The economic plight of the Navajo can be partially blamed on the application of generic management techniques for the past 40 years by consultants treating the Navajo as members of their own dominate culture. This paper also discusses the ethical implications of ignoring cultural differences under the guise of supplying professional services to minority cultures.