Internal forces refer to the factors that originate within an organization and drive the need for change. These forces can include changes in leadership, organizational culture, employee attitudes, and performance issues. On the other hand, external forces are factors that originate outside the organization and impact it, such as changes in the market, technology, government regulations, and competition.
Here are some key points of comparison and contrast between internal and external forces in organizational change:
1. Origin: Internal forces originate within the organization, while external forces originate outside the organization.
2. Control: Internal forces are more controllable by the organization as they can be influenced through leadership, communication, and organizational culture. External forces are less controllable as they are influenced by factors beyond the organization's control.
3. Predictability: Internal forces are often more predictable as they can be anticipated based on internal factors such as performance indicators, employee feedback, and organizational climate. External forces are often less predictable as they can be influenced by various external factors that are beyond the organization's control.
4. Influence: Internal forces have a direct influence on the organization's operations, structure, and processes. They can be managed through internal strategies and interventions. External forces have an indirect influence on the organization and require the organization to adapt and respond to changes in the external environment.
5. Speed of change: Internal forces can be implemented relatively quickly as they are within the organization's control. External forces may require more time to adapt to as they often involve changes in market conditions, technology, or regulatory frameworks.
6. Resistance to change: Internal forces may face resistance from employees or other internal stakeholders who may be resistant to change due to fear of the unknown or concerns about job security. External forces may face less resistance as they are often seen as necessary adaptations to the external environment.
7. Scope of impact: Internal forces may have a more localized impact within the organization, affecting specific departments or processes. External forces can have a broader impact on the entire organization, requiring changes in multiple areas to adapt to the external environment.
In summary, internal forces originate within the organization and are more controllable and predictable, while external forces originate outside the organization and are less controllable and predictable. Both types of forces require organizations to adapt and respond to change, but they differ in terms of origin, control, predictability, influence, speed of change, resistance, and scope of impact.