Organization Development - Berrett-Koehler Publishers

What Is Organization Development? 15
TABLE 1.2 Advantages of Using Each Type of Consultant—Internal and
External
INTERNAL EXTERNAL
■ Already has familiarity with the ■ Does not have preknowledge of
organization and how it works the organizational culture, so
■ Knows the organizational does not enter the process with
culture better than any external any preconceived notions
can ever know it ■ Often given more respect by
■ Has relationships established insiders because he or she is
that can get cooperation more not known except by reputation
quickly ■ More freedom to “say it like it
■ Has a trust level already is” because he or she has less
established at risk politically
■ Lower cost by project because ■ Organization makes less longof
organization’s long-term term commitment for pay and
commitment to employment no commitment for benefits,
■ Organization takes less risk leading to lower overall costs.
of confidential information ■ Organizational members may
being leaked be more willing to trust in
■ Less emphasis on getting the confidentiality in sharing
job done quickly as salary is information with the consultant
already paid versus hourly ■ Easier to be ethical; can refuse
pay for external to do something that is deemed
■ Greater accountability unethical
■ Job security and less emphasis ■ Can reject the project if there is
on marketing a perceived lack of readiness
for change in the organization
■ Usually has a broader set of
experiences
■ Greater job variety
■ Can be separated from the
organization quickly and easily
if performance problems occur