Business
Business
Introduction
Consultants are a group of people who offer advisory services on various strategic decisions. These include change management, best human resource practises, training and development, and competitive business strategies among others. Consulting is divided into two groups, internal and external consulting. Internal consulting refers to the process of seeking advisory services from internal consultants. On the other hand, external consulting refers to the process of seeking advisory services from external consultants. This paper seeks to discuss the difference between internal and external consulting. It also seeks to give reasons as to why an organization would prefer internal or external consulting. Further, it seeks to briefly discuss which skills I can offer to my organization, how I would overcome difficulties of internal consulting, what skill I can offer to other organizations, and how I would overcome difficulties of external consulting.
Depending on the needs and financial capacity of an organization, an organization can either seek services of an internal or external consultant. This is because an internal consultant is less costly in comparison to external consultants. Moreover, in instances when a business has just commenced its operations, it is advisable to seek internal consulting services. This is because internal consultants are generally knowledgeable. As such, such an organization would gain various advisory services including how best to finance their operations and how to get a breakthrough within a particular market. On the other hand, external consulting is mostly preferred in instances when deep expertise is required. Additionally, when a firm wants to make a risky decision, external consulting will be sought. This is because external consultants are more knowledgeable on current market trends and requirements. As such, they are always in a position to offer advisory services based on current market trends. Nonetheless, external consulting is costly as compared to internal consulting. Therefore, an organization that is facing financing difficulties should seek internal consultancy services.
Skill that I can Offer to My Organization
As an internal consultant, I can offer a variety of skills to my organization. Firstly, I can perform research on various issues that affect my organization. Performing research will enable me to comprehend the market. Secondly, I can also perform ratio and trend analysis for my organization. This will enable me to offer effective advice based on the trend performance. Thirdly, I can offer employee coaching skills to my organization. This will in turn reduce the cost or training and development of employees.
Overcoming Internal Consulting Difficulties
The greatest challenge faced by internal consulting is lack of objectivity. I can overcome this challenge by being very profession while offering my services. This is because lack of objectivity can make one offer poor services.
Skill that I can Offer to Other Organization
As an external consultant, I can offer various skills to other organization. Firstly, I can offer advisory services on the current market trend. These include analysis on the ways of improving the quality of their products and how to counter competition from firms within the same industry. Lastly, I can also offer strategic management solutions such as how to retain a good workforce.
Overcoming External Consulting Difficulties
I would overcome the difficulties of external consulting by reading widely in order to be more knowledgeable. Additionally, I would seek for more knowledge of the specific type of business and its environment at large. This will enable me to comprehend the market at large and its existing trends.
Conclusion
The decision of whether to seek internal or external consulting services depends on various factors including financing capacity, size of the firm, and type of advisory services required. Internal consulting can face the challenge of lack of objectivity. On the other hand, external consultants may lack adequate knowledge on the business operations.
References
Block, P. (2011). Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used (4 ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
Kubr, M. (2007). Management Consulting: A Guide to the Profession (4, illustrated ed.). New York: International Labour Organization.
Steele, F. (2009). Consulting for Organizational Change (Illustrated ed.). Massachusetts: Univ of Massachusetts Press.
