Final answer:
External decision makers refer to individuals like governors, legislators, and various elected officials who influence decisions from outside an organization. They are crucial in shaping public policy and can include nonpartisan local officials and key actors in foreign policy within the political system.
Step-by-step explanation:
External decision makers often refer to individuals or groups that influence or make decisions about an organization from outside of it. These external decision makers can include governors, legislators, elected officials such as mayors, City Council members, city planning commissioners, school board members, and judges who preside over state and local courts. Many of these officials are nonpartisan, meaning they do not have a declared political party affiliation but are known by their individual reputation and merit. Additionally, there are official key actors in foreign policy such as the Speaker of the House and committee chairs who play crucial roles. These individuals and entities shape public policy and make critical decisions that impact organizations and society at large. They are an integral part of the social structure and the political system.
In other words, external decision makers include those individuals who are not directly involved with the day-to-day operations or internal affairs of an organization. They could be leaders in the political realm who have a significant role in community decision-making or key actors in foreign policy who influence international relations and legislation.