This paper discusses (1) the tasks of the change agent, (2) the different dimensions of choice the administrator has in specifying the change agent role, and (3) the optimally specified role. A change agent must establish a relationship with a client system, diagnose the client system, select the correct helping role, determine change objectives, deal with resistance to change, and maintain the changes. Within each of these tasks, the administrator can choose a change agent from inside or from outside his organization, can select a single-person change agent or a team, and can decide whether the change agent is similar to members of the client system in attributes or different with respect to certain traits. The optimum change agent role employs the team concept, uses both internal and external personnel, and utilizes agents with greater similarity to other members. (RA)