A consultant is hired to recommend organizational changes in a healthc

QUESTION

A consultant is hired to recommend organizational changes in a healthcare institution. What best describes this consultant’s role?

1. Leader
2. Legitimate authority
3. Internal change agent
4. External change agent

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 4

An external change agent is hired from outside the organization that is undergoing the change process. He or she is able to view the situations objectively and without bias. A leader would be a part of the administrative organization of the healthcare institution. Legitimate authority references the source of authority and power in a structured organization. An internal change agent is a person who is part of the situation or system.