Editor: Many have thrown common sense and policy out the door and reverted to management by their whims and fancy. Consequently, they have become part of the problem rather than part of the solution. Organizations generally have good policies that should enable them to fulfil their function and be productive. However, lack of thinking, and adapting to the prevailing conditions and circumstances are preventing the achievement of the desired goals.

Some newcomers, with limited experience, discard the years of practical experience they meet in place in preference to new and untried methods. Rather than building on the experience capital, they opt to start afresh and lose the confidence of the collective wisdom developed over the years.

Some want to direct the foot soldiers in paths they have not trodden. Rather than collectively working out the way forward, personality cult is allowed to dominate, and people seem to follow the leader against their better judgement.

Lack of a budget and willy nilly spending in areas not in keeping with the purpose of the organization are other causes of killing the commitment of the willing. Then there is the facade of connection through cyberspace without deploying all the necessary elements for that method to work.

There are certain seasons for certain activities to occur and everyone must mobilize to support the cause to capitalize on the profits that are then available. Lack of understanding of this organizational culture can result in great losses.

Voluntary organizations depend on goodwill and when it is squandered, much effort will have to be expended to gain people’s confidence again. Personal grudges should not replace common sense procedures and policies. A sense of fairness and appreciation for the contribution of all will go a long way in building confidence in the organization and secure its future. Those who are not doing the work should not have a disproportionate influence on how it is done.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD