McKinsey’s stature allows it to engage, mostly without criticism, in practices that others might view as awkward or inappropriate. It simultaneously consults for companies competing in the same market, so one set of consultants might be telling Company A how to beat Company B while another set is telling Company B how to beat Company A. McKinsey also consults for government agencies that regulate McKinsey clients. In addition to advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, McKinsey has consulted for at least nineteen pharmaceutical clients—all subject to FDA regulation.
