In Akron staff newsletter, MCC announces an “internal assessment of staff relations particularly in the International Program,” Dec. 18, 2024
December 18, 2024. The following message was posted in Among Ourselves, a daily email for Akron staff (copy obtained by MAST):
Internal Assessment of staff relations in International Program: In recent years, MCC has made significant changes in how it works toward its vision of fostering communities worldwide that are in right relationship with God, each other, and creation. Our efforts are now stronger and more aligned with international non-governmental organization industry standards, particularly regarding internal operations and employee retention. How we work internally versus who we partner with externally makes for tensions that will need to be continually assessed and improved.
Given these ongoing shifts, an internal assessment of MCC’s policies and procedures concerning staff relations particularly in the International Program will be conducted. This assessment will examine current practices in areas such as conflict resolution, abuse of power, terminations, and other challenging employee situations. Based on the findings, the assessment will offer recommendations to support healthier relationships between staff and supervisors, ensuring alignment with MCC’s core values. Linda Herr will oversee this internal assessment, reporting to the two national executive directors. Linda has held a variety of roles, including primary placement service worker, country representative, and area director in MCC’s international programs in the Middle East and Europe. She also has experience in human resources, including recruitment, training, and orientation with MCC East Coast and MCC U.S.
This internal assessment marks the first step in addressing our Strategic Blueprint’s focus on operational enablers, particularly as we strengthen existing policy emphasis for staff care, whistleblower processes, and reporting abuses of power. A more robust organizational audit that will be conducted across all departments will be forthcoming.
- Ann Graber Hershberger and Rick Cober Bauman