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

Author(s)
Webster, M. and Walker, P.
Publication language
English
Pages
39pp
Date published
01 Apr 2009
Publisher
Tufts University
Type
Research, reports and studies
Keywords
Capacity development, Partnerships, NGOs, Organisational, Organisational Structure, Response and recovery
Organisations
Tufts University

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.