The following account did not happen in real life. But it is certainly based on real events.
Sheila works for a non-government organization (NGO) which assists grassroots organizations in their education and training programs. She reviews training modules and recommends changes whenever necessary. She also conducts workshops for peasants.
When she was a newly recruited NGO staff member she was given an orientation on the NGO. It has a Development Philosophy which outlines the basic set of beliefs of the organization. It also has a Strategic Plan and finally, a list of office and finance policies.
Upon assuming office as a contractual staff member, Sheila came to know that the organization is short on funds. Like many NGOs, its funds are good only up to the next 12 months. Its staff members have been trying to raise funds in the last year but to no avail.
Sheila noticed that the cost-cutting measures seem like a natural thing for the staff. The use of electrical appliances and equipment was done only when necessary. Scratch papers were used instead of bond paper when not printing the final draft of reports. The staff even resorted to “flexible time” to save up on the use of electricity.
She wondered why, unlike her, the other staff members seem unperturbed with the impending lack of funds of the organization. As the days passed by, her question was answered. Read the rest of this entry »
