Purpose. Study of the processes of management consulting development in the context of digitalization of Russian business. Methods. The activity of organizations and freelancers, referring their activities to consulting, is analyzed. The main purpose of management consulting in the conditions of digitalization of business as assistance in the choice and achievement of strategic goals of the company is proved. The forms of external management in the field of consulting and activities of the expert (consultant) are studied. Results. Professional services (consulting) impose certain requirements on the management consultant. The ways of professional development in conditions of digitalization of business are offered. Scientific novelty. The forms of external management in the field of consulting are revealed. The authors substantiate the fact that management consulting becomes more relevant for Russian business with its gradual digitalization. One of the key problems identified in the article is a lack of common understanding of the activities of consultants. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of different types of consultants and justified the diversity of approaches to understanding of their activities. A distinctive feature of management in social systems, which necessitates the involvement of professional consultants in the management of enterprises. The advantages of business management consulting in the context of digitalization of the economy and enterprises in the Russian Federation are also listed.
