Question

There are advantages and disadvantages to being an internal and external consultant. Can you think of others? Based on your reading of the roles of an internal and external OD practitioner, which role do you think is easier? More rewarding? Which role do you think you would prefer?

Answer 1

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

There are advantages and disadvantages to being an internal and external consultant. An internal consultant knows the company and the operations very well. It has some familiarity with people, systems, and processes. However, this makes it being subjective in its observations. AS an external consultant, you do not have this familiarity, but you are 10 percent objective, which means that you do not have biased in your observations and interpretations.

I think the role that is easier is the internal consultant because it knows the operation of the company. However, as I stated above, that element has its disadvantages.

The role I think I would prefer with no doubt is to be an external consultant. For me, this role would be more rewarding because I can be objective in my evaluation and recommendations.