Partnering subsumes contracting or project alignment phases of work because it involves setting client expectations and defining the scope of work. Partnering also includes other elements of the consulting process that involve building relationships. The reality of much consulting work is that what is originally defined to be the problem will change as the consultant and client dig deeper and discover that the root cause (or ultimate solution) may reside outside the client's department or require the cooperation of others beyond the original scope of work.