internship prez

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Behind the Scenes: Reflections of the PSW Staff Claudia Anderson December 11, 2014

+Introduction to PSW Parvati Swamyamrojgar

(Vikas) started microcredit services in 2001

HMF started in 2003 9 branches across Pune

Each consists of a manager, 3-4 loan officers, a service executive, 2 ECD employees, and a coordinator

IGP, HMF, and ECD programs Orientation and FLT meetings

Have served over 15,000 families

+My Role

Website Suggestions Report Update success stories Better visual aids

Attend most activities and programs provided by PSW

Branch wide staff interviews of the IGP and the HMF programs Job satisfaction Work environment

+Task List and Outcomes

40 interviews 7 complete branches out of 9 and the financial literacy

trainer Created individualized interviews based on job profile

Outcomes for organization: Higher administration can proactively make internal

changes from the feedback With these improvements, higher staff motivation and

positivity will result Staff reflected on their true perceptions of the

organization’s work environment and their likes/dislikes

+Academic Paper Topic Organizational practices that are significant to

improving the overall performance of NGOs and retaining their employees Job stress Adequate compensation Training and Development Availability of technology and other resources Rewards System and Recognition of Hard Work

+Major Findings A successful workplace needs

opportunity for growth About 50% of the staff interviewed

had something in mind that they would do different or change

70% of loan officers agreed that the most frustrating aspect of their job are the recovery visits

Job stress was a key indicator for dissatisfaction among branch employees

Staff cooperation and teamwork are the most important factors for job efficacy

+Reflections

Hard to record high quality answers Seasoned employees vs. newcomers Instances of group interviews

No previous background required for field workers Complete lack of prioritization of health Importance of communication and staff cooperation Unavoidable minor issues with translation

+Academic Learnings

Witnessed a very popular type of poverty alleviation scheme, its successes and drawbacks Difference between how banks and NGOs disburse loans

Studied one subjective definition of poverty How a developing nation tries to solve its own issues

independently

+Professional Learnings

First time working with microfinance NGO and working so closely within slum areas

Acquainted with the different positions in this type of NGO and how they interact with one another

I hope to work abroad for a significant amount of time in the future so this really helped me gain some initial experience

+Personal Learnings Observed the realities of slum areas and was able to

interact with the residents Generosity knows no socio-economic bounds Met people whose lifestyles have completely changed

because of PSW’s work Staff friendships