What are the two discrete types of change agents?

The two discrete types of change agents are internal and external change agents. The internal agents are the collection of agents that determine the actions and decisions which occur in an organization. They are usually employees of the organization.

Internal change agents include - corporate board members, managers, CEOs, executives and other members of an organization workforce. External agents are those with which an organization interacts. External change agents are usually not employees of the organization; they are hired to participate in the change process. They include – investors, community activists, suppliers, government regulators and customers.

Change agents are tasked with leading change in an organization, and the two types of change agents are internal and external. An internal change agent is an employee of the company whereas an external change agent is a hired consultant.

There are advantages and disadvantages with each one, and an organization must choose whether an internal or external is best to reach its change goal. Change agents have specialized training, but an organization can also train its current employees to be facilitators of change. Some argue that every leader should have some of the capabilities of a change agent.