They are generally behavioral scientists who specialize in human behavior. They work as consultants for the company and devise its change strategy.
1. They take a total view of the organization as a system.
2. They are not much affected by the norms of the organization.
3. They do not view change as an on-going process as they are appointed by the organization for specific tasks.
4. They use diagnostic skills to diagnose the problem and plan the overall strategy for change.
5. Their role is comprehensive in nature.
6. Their role is primarily that of process consultation, that is, deciding the process of introducing change.
7. They help the organization move towards self-renewal and growth.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CHANGE AGENTS
External Change Agent |
Internal Change Agent |
|---|---|
| 1. He is the outside consultant hired by any organization. | 1. He is the inside consultant who is an employee of the organization. |
| 2. He is always a professional. | 2. He is not always a professional. |
| 3. He works for a limited period of time for any organization. | 3. His working period is not limited. |
| 4. Hiring external change agents is expensive. | 4. Working with an internal change agent is economical for an organization. |
| 5. The external change agent only outlines the change process. | 5. An internal change agent works for the implementation of the change process as well. |
| 6. He primarily gives recommendations. He does not work as … |