Using Saul Alinsky's Principles to Create Change in the Internal Auditor's Organization

Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals offers timeless wisdom about navigating organizational complexity, building trust, and driving lasting change. While originally intended for community organizers, the principles laid out in the chapter “The Education of an Organizer” can be surprisingly relevant to internal auditors striving to make an impact in their roles. Auditors, like organizers, operate in an environment of competing interests, require the trust of stakeholders, and must lead change within an organization.

By applying Alinsky’s principles, internal auditors can enhance their effectiveness, achieve greater buy-in from stakeholders, and ensure their audits lead to actionable improvements. Below are key takeaways from Alinsky’s work, reimagined through the lens of an internal auditor.

1. Understand Power Dynamics Within the Organization

One of Alinsky's core ideas is that power matters—and understanding who holds it, how they use it, and how to influence it is crucial. Internal auditors work in environments where power dynamics shape decision-making and define priorities.

How This Relates to Auditing

• Map the Power Structure: Before beginning an audit, identify key players, decision-makers, and influencers within the organization. Understand which departments have the authority to enact change and who might resist your findings.

• Leverage Influencers: Build trust with individuals who have informal power, such as respected team leads or long-tenured employees. They can help you bridge gaps and gain support for your recommendations.

Practical Tip

During the audit planning phase, include interviews with both formal and informal leaders to gain insight into organizational priorities and challenges. This will give you a clearer picture of where resistance or support may emerge.

2. Foster Relationships and Build Trust

Alinsky emphasizes that effective organizers must establish genuine trust with the people they work with. For internal auditors, this principle is foundational. Without trust, audits can be perceived as hostile interrogations rather than collaborative opportunities for improvement.

How This Relates to Auditing

• Approach as a Partner: Frame your role as someone who helps the organization achieve its goals rather than as a “compliance enforcer.” This shifts the dynamic from defensive to cooperative.

• Communicate Early and Often: Keep stakeholders informed throughout the audit process. Transparency fosters trust and reduces anxiety about hidden agendas.

• Stay Nonjudgmental: Listen actively to concerns and resist the urge to rush into conclusions. This helps forge stronger connections with employees who might otherwise be guarded.

Practical Tip

Establish an open-door approach where stakeholders feel comfortable discussing challenges, even before an audit begins. This proactive method builds trust over time.

3. Be Adaptable and Flexible

A good organizer, Alinsky writes, is someone who adapts to circumstances and constantly evolves their strategies. Similarly, internal auditors must adjust their methodologies to the culture, size, and needs of each organization.

How This Relates to Auditing

• Tailor Your Approach: No two audits are the same. What works in one department may not work in another. Flexibility is essential to gain genuine insights and develop applicable recommendations.

• Stay Agile: Be prepared to pivot when unexpected risks or resistance surface during the audit process. Rigidity can alienate stakeholders and hinder your ability to uncover meaningful root causes.

Practical Tip

Adopt continuous auditing techniques through data analytics so you can adjust the audit focus dynamically as new trends or red flags emerge.

4. Focus on Results, Not Perfection

Alinsky advocates for practical, actionable solutions rather than getting bogged down by perfectionism. Internal auditors, too, must focus on delivering value rather than crafting overly polished reports that may get ignored.

How This Relates to Auditing

• Solve Problems, Don’t Just Identify Them: Recommendations should be realistic, actionable, and prioritized based on impact. Stakeholders are more likely to act on concrete solutions than abstract high-level concerns.

• Accept Incremental Progress: Recognize that systemic changes take time. Celebrate small wins that lead toward the broader objective.

Practical Tip

Include implementation support as part of your audit follow-up. Offer to collaborate on action plans, demonstrating your investment in achieving measurable outcomes.

5. Maintain Integrity and Credibility

Alinsky highlights the importance of maintaining one’s integrity, as it serves as the foundation for influence. For internal auditors, credibility is non-negotiable. Without it, your findings lack impact, and your recommendations may be disregarded.

How This Relates to Auditing

• Be Consistent: Apply standards fairly across all departments and individuals. Any appearance of bias can erode trust.

• Admit Limitations: If you encounter areas outside your expertise, acknowledge them and suggest involving specialists. This transparency reinforces your credibility.

• Communicate Clearly: Avoid technical jargon and write reports that all stakeholders can understand. Clarity builds confidence in your findings.

Practical Tip

Conduct regular self-assessments of your internal audit team’s independence and objectivity. Share these results with stakeholders to showcase your commitment to ethical auditing practices.

6. Learn Continuously

A recurring theme in Alinsky’s work is the importance of education—not just formal learning but also the personal growth required to stay relevant and connected to the environment. Internal auditors must also embody continuous learning to remain effective in an evolving risk landscape.

How This Relates to Auditing

• Stay Current on Risks: Fraud tactics, cyber threats, and regulatory changes evolve quickly. Regular training ensures your team remains knowledgeable and agile.

• Learn from Stakeholders: Every audit is an opportunity to better understand your organization’s inner workings, culture, and challenges.

Practical Tip

Encourage your audit team to pursue certifications and attend industry events to deepen their expertise. Sharing these insights with stakeholders enhances your audit function’s perceived value.

Driving Change with Alinsky’s Principles

Internal auditors, much like community organizers, aim to create impactful, lasting change. By understanding organizational dynamics, earning trust, remaining flexible, and staying focused on results, auditors can elevate their influence and effectiveness. Adopting Saul Alinsky’s principles doesn’t just make internal auditing more impactful—it transforms it into a powerful tool for driving continuous improvement and fostering a stronger, more resilient organization.