One For All and All For One: Intra-Organizational Dynamics in Humanitarian Action

This report is the result of a study commissioned by Oxfam America to explore multimember
organizations. We examined the field response systems and structures of six NGOs to
understand how they function during emergencies. A description of the organizations is included in the report. We identify six key learning points that are important for multi-member organizations operating in emergency contexts:
• having the right people, at the right time, in the right place;
• knowing who you are and what you do;
• executing the strategy;
• being ready to respond;
• managing intra-organizational tensions; and,
• using transparency as an aid to action.