External And External Consulting: The Role Of External Consultants

The Role of the External Consultant

Many organizations utilize consultants to address problems and improve business practices. A consultant is hired to advise organizations based upon their professionalism and expertise (“Consultant”, 2017). External and internal consultants work with a client organization to achieve the client’s objectives. External consultants are non-members of the organization and have the responsibility of advisement from a neutral perspective (Stryker, 2012). Internal consultants are members of the organization and have a great understanding of the internal operations of the organization (Miller & Subbiah, 2012). While organizations may use consultants internally and externally, the both types of consultants differ

52). This objectivity allows the external consultant to view the company fully with a bird’s eye view (Cerisano, 2014). An external consultant’s past experiences working with other clients is advantageous in overcoming challenges (Cerisano, 2014). Therefore, external consultants can share their experiences of problems they have worked through with previous clients. Additionally, these consultants bring with them ideas that are fresh, creative and insightful (Miller & Subbiah, 2012). Often hired for their specialized expertise, external consultants have the ability to use this status for influence and to promote change for a client’s specific issue or problem (Cerisano,

53). A principal advantage that internal consultants have is their thorough knowledge and understanding of the organization’s business practices (Miller & Subbiah, 2012). Since internal consultants have regular interaction with the stakeholders, they understand what will work in the present environment (Miller & Subbiah, 2012). The strengthened channel of communication is the result of the internal consultant’s existing relationship with employees in the organization (Morris, 2016). In comparison to the external consultant, internal consultants are more cost effective. Additionally, internal consultants assist organization members in relating to other organizations, aiding in conflict resolution and validating activities of change within the organizations (Cummings & Worley,