The change agent can be an internal staff person (e.g., HRD practitioner) or an external consultant. Internal change agents generally are knowledgeable regarding the organization’s mission, structural components, technology, internal politics, and social factors. This knowledge can be very important for establishing a trusting relationship with a change manager and members of the system that will undergo the change. However, system members may feel an internal change agent is too close to the existing situation and cannot be objective. In addition, the internal change agent may not possess the specialized knowledge needed for a particular intervention strategy. If this is the case, the organization may decide to hire an external consultant with specialized OD knowledge OD knowledge and skills.