In response to Oxfam staff misconduct in Haiti

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-43043923


This is another case of why we should not give people too much power to abuse through having such hierarchical institutional structure and by creating too many (unnecessary) 'leadership' roles. If it had been front line staff facing the same allegations, they would have had disciplinary action or dismissed from the organization. But when the same allegations concern directors/chief officer/heads of operation, etc, these people are not brought to account for their actions. Plus the well-meaning staff brave enough to whistle blow have to face either recrimination or are just ignored.


I argue against organisations continuing with hierarchical pyramid structure that allows people at the top to behave poorly with low level of accountability. With a flatter structure, people act democratically. They can voice their views without fear of repercussion. They can demand more equal level of respect throughout the organization regardless of job title or responsibility. People with more experience, knowledge or in fact, intellectual ability can still 'progress' but that progress should focus on an opportunity to develop oneself and others rather that an opportunity to exploit powers, like we've seen here.