Basic Attributes of Organizations - Essay Example

25 January 2007 Basic Attributes of Organization One of the most surprising features of the relief operation after the catastrophe brought about by the hurricane Katrina is the aggressive response of religious organizations in raising funds for the victims. It is estimated that out of the $3.162 billion funds collected, denominational groups account for roughly $134 million (Summing Up Katrina Relief 2). One of the denominational groups which showed considerable effort in helping the hurricane casualties is the Lutheran World Relief (LWR).

Just like any typical organization, LWR expresses its goal through its mission statement: "Lutheran World Relief works with partners in 35 countries to help people grow food, improve health, strengthen communities, end conflicts, and build livelihoods, and recover from disasters." With this, it has also already identified its primary beneficiaries who are people from impoverished countries. Being headquartered in the United States which is recognized as one of the wealthiest nations in the world, its operation is focused overseas especially on the developing nations in Asia and Africa.

However, in the case of the relief after the hurricane Katrina, it obviously bypassed these beneficiaries by collecting and channeling fund domestically. According to LWR's parish project associate Brenda Meier, "Historically, Lutheran World Relief has focused on emergency response overseas, but, given the unprecedented nature of Hurricane Katrina, we feel that it is appropriate to make a rare exception and distribute the items domestically" (Lutheran World Relief 3). As stated above, LWR is headquartered in the Northern America with global operations divided into three geographical regions namely Africa, Asia and Middle East, and Latin America (Lutheran World Relief 1).

Recognizing the difference of the values, culture, and needs of the countries and the necessity of responding to emergency situations at the shortest possible time, LWR's structure is highly decentralized giving the heads in its three divisions the authority to preside over important matters and issues in their respective region. This decentralized structure enables LWC to respond quickly to disasters like Katrina. Having the autonomy for its actions and the immediate support of the headquarters, LWR in the United States has been able to collect funds from donors and distribute them to the intended recipients.

LWR's goal of aiding the humanitarian crisis after the hurricane has also been facilitated by the contribution of each of its department. Horizontal specialization is a feature of LWR where specific task is assigned to a certain department. For example, in the relief operation has been through the participation of volunteers working under committees in the provision of a specific need such as prayer support, financial contributions, supplies, and shelters (Lutheran World Relief 4).Works CitedLutheran World Relief Website. 2008. January 25, 2008 Lutheran World Relief.

"Lutheran Agencies' Response to Hurricane Katrina, and Beyond" September 15, 2007. January 25, 2008 "Summing Up Katrina Relief." Where Most Needed.com. n.d. January 25, 2008