What is a potential disadvantage of using external change agents in an organization?

Utilizing external change agents can bring fresh perspectives and specialized expertise, but it can also come with challenges. One significant downside is the longer start-up time associated with integrating these agents into the existing organizational structure. External change agents need time to understand the company culture, systems, and processes. They may require orientation and initial interactions to build trust and rapport with internal teams, which can delay the implementation of change initiatives.

Longer start-up time can hinder the pace of change, making it crucial for organizations to allocate sufficient time and resources for the external agents to effectively assess the situation and develop tailored strategies. This initial phase can lead to frustrations or misalignments, as internal stakeholders may have different timelines or expectations regarding the speed of change.

In contrast to this option, other potential benefits of using external change agents, such as improved company knowledge, lower operational costs, and a better management image, may not inherently affect the operational timeline. Therefore, the longer start-up time underscores a critical aspect of managing the transition to new methods or processes introduced by outsiders.