Slow response (case study)
The organisation's development programme was well established in the area with long-term goals which had been carefully thought through.
Fighting in the neighbouring country resulted in 100,000s of refugees crossing the border into the programme area. The organisation, which had a well-established reputation for water and sanitation, wanted to respond rapidly. The country team on the other hand were concerned that their long term goals would be threatened; they resisted and frustrated attempts to send in an emergency team.
The team did finally arrive – but was only setting up its base camp by the time other organisations were declaring that the acute emergency phase was over.
Everyone lost – the refugees and the host population suffered unnecessarily, the organisation's reputation and confidence were shaken, and eventually many of the country team resigned.