OD Consulting Discussion

OD Consulting [CLOs: 1, 2]

For this discussion, you will consider the role of an internal or external consultant and examine some of the common issues. Consider the following scenario:

Acme Inc. started in 1954 and has grown from 200 employees to 2,500 employees. Acme Inc. offers products ranging from giant slingshots to digital media platforms. About a month ago the CEO of the company, Sasha decided to expand one of their products from business to business to business to customer. The HR team then put together a cross-functional team to work on this new initiative together. The cross functional team consists of employees from different product departments, the legal team, and human resource managers. Within the first few weeks of working together, several issues derived – a) misaligned goals and priorities, b) too much or too little communication, c) lack of trust, d) disagreement in the method for measuring impact, and 3) relying on different technologies for collaboration and information management. Based on the issues identified above, take on the role of both an internal or external consultant and address the following:

• How would you approach the issues identified of the cross-functional teams?
• What are some of the pros and cons of being an internal or external consultant?
  • Explain the barriers of being an internal or external consultant as it relates to being a strategic partner in addressing the problem.
• Explain whether being an internal or external consultant is more effective. Support your rationale with sources