Week Five Decisions in Paradise Business Part Three
Nicole Halliwill
MGT/350 Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making
Alvin Richards
October 29, 2012

* The determining factors affecting Habitat for Humanity’s decision to establish a greater presence in Kava is controlled by the Kava government along with its willingness to accept assistance, the willingness of organizations to help with construction as well as meeting conservation concerns, and citizens abilities along with its willingness to assist in construction. CEO Jonathan Reckford, the board of directors, and key staff members will have to be in agreement about continual need to remain in Kava. Another consideration is if there are available resources to do the construction, to run the tools to complete the construction, and to operate on a day-to-day basis. Habitat for Humanity needs to consider also if there are enough translators that speak the indigenous languages of the South Pacific tribes, Asian (Chinese primarily), African, French, and Spanish. Habitat for Humanity needs to make sure that economic interests have a way to be shipped and can be transported out. Another huge factor affecting Habitat for Humanity’s decision would be the safety of everyone involved. The medical and safety risks to staff and the community need to be addressed. The natural disasters risk to the community and staff. The last factor is to attract tourists back to Kava. *
Not only has Kava’s government been willing to have assistance from Habitat for Humanity but also they have opened their arms, are hopeful for future endeavors due to Habitat’s willingness to be conservative, and because of Habitat for Humanity’s quick response with the Disaster Response Team. Habitat for Humanity is looking forward to their future in Kava; all parties agree that a continued presence is a good step forward for the company and for Kava’s citizens as well. Habitat also has the backing of numerous community-based organizations, faith-based groups, businesses, and the community. Habitat for humanity’s risk factor of available resources and ability to power tools has been addressed by alternative power sources, and conservation tactics. There will be at least five translators brought in that speak in the languages necessary to communicate with the citizens of Kava. Shipment transport will be done by cargo ships. There will be numerous protective measures involved in Kava. A contractor, building classes, medical lectures on cleaning safety, protective gear to protect them from avian flu risks, and daily safety measure and procedure meetings to keep everyone safe. The one uncontrollable factor is natural disasters, but Habitat for Humanity is willing to take as many precautionary steps as possible. Some of the precautionary steps are the use of radar, installation of emergency warning system, and construction of emergency buildings. To attract tourists back, Habitat for Humanity is doing numerous human interests pieces in international papers and websites to show the positive sides of Kava.

The actions required starts with the cleanup of the Kava, the construction of drainage and waste systems, buildings, shore front construction, warning system, and emergency buildings. Some of the resources we have are the government support, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, businesses, and the community. We also have a large support from The World Conservation Union.

“Founded in 1948, The World Conservation Union brings together States, government agencies and a diverse range of non-governmental organizations in a unique world partnership: over 913 members in all, spread across some 136 countries.

As a Union, IUCN seeks to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. A central secretariat coordinates the IUCN Programme and serves the Union membership, representing their views on the world stage and providing them with the strategies, services, scientific knowledge and technical support they need to achieve their goals. Through its six Commissions, IUCN draws together over 6000 expert volunteers in project teams and action groups, focusing in particular on species and biodiversity conservation and the management of habitats and natural resources. The Union has helped many countries to prepare National Conservation Strategies, and demonstrates the application of its knowledge through the field projects it supervises. Operations are increasingly decentralized and are carried forward by an expanding network of regional and country offices, located principally in developing countries” (Pulea, Harding, and Boer, 1996).

* The ethical implications from the Habitat for Humanity stakeholder’s start with the mission statement, “a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. We build with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds. Our houses are simple, decent, and affordable to low-income families around the world. Whenever possible, we build sustainable, energy-efficient and healthy housing. Nearly 2 billion people around the world live in slum housing and over 100 million are homeless. Habitat for Humanity is needed to help eliminate poverty by providing simple, decent shelter to those in need. Families left homeless by natural disasters, war and civil unrest often face dire housing situations as they struggle to rebuild their lives. Habitat for Humanity’s Disaster Response program provides shelter and housing solutions to help these families recover. This is made possible by homeowners and volunteers build under trained supervision. Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide vital financial support. Learn more about Habitat's stewardship of these resources in our Annual Report and Financial Statement. In the U.S., Habitat for Humanity lends no-profit, no-interest mortgage loans to its beneficiary families. On a global scale, Habitat’s traditional model is not always possible. Our international housing finance programs consist of innovative housing finance practices and/or partnerships with microfinance organizations” (Habitat for Humanity, 2012). * * The ethical considerations are the need to help our fellow man no matter their language and religious stance. The ethical support offered by Habitat for Humanity by offering the low cost housing and emotional boost given to the community by them building their own home. Habitat for Humanity is also donating numerous emergency and important buildings to help an economically drained community. Habitat for Humanity has made the right decision to move forward in Kava because of the ethical, emotional, and financial need. There will be future need to review this decision and if Habitat for Humanity should expand or pull out of Kava, but with the continual threat of disaster for the time Habitat is needed on a daily basis.

Sources
Habitat for Humanity (2012) About us, Habitat for Humanity International. Retrieved from: http://www.habitat.org/how

Pulea, M., Harding, E., and Boer, B. (1996) Environmental Law in the South Pacific,
Environmental Policy and Law Paper No. 28, South Pacific Regional Environment Programme IUCN Environmental Law Centre, Retrieved from: http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/EPLP-028.pdf