Pros
In it's early days, Oceana was clear about filling a gap in the environmental world and the work was science-based and mission-driven. Marine biologists went on expeditions to chart urgent problems in commercial fishing stock and Oceana had a realistic approach to tackling problems that could be solved in a realistic time period. There were some great victories and the organization began to make a difference. There are still some terrific scientists and public policy people at Oceana and the mission is a good one.
Cons
Money can have a corrupting power, and as Oceana has been awarded some big grants, senior management has shown a remarkable arrogance that is rotting the organization from within. There is a belief that only the top people are worthy of a hearing, and there is no recognition that good ideas can come from all corners of the organization. Additionally, there is a sense that no one can do anything well, and that everything has to go through an exhaustive review.n. This cumbersome approach to management necessarily means that this once bold and original organization is now bloated and cumbersome. No one can show initiative; no one can move quickly. The layers of approval are endless and it leaves employees deflated. The executive team is secretive. Weekly meetings are held between all members of the executive team but staff members do not receive any kind of updates and the lack of communication within the organization will ultimately be a fatal flaw. There is no employee newsletter, nor any way of learning what one's colleagues are working on, making it impossible to be abreast of the strategies and priorities. This is really a problem as the priorities change as the money flows, and the focus that once was the strength or Oceana has been diluted by the opportunity to get money. Finally, this place is a man's world. There is an undercurrent of sexism that I have never experienced anywhere else in the workplace. The CEO is pedantic and sexist as is the president. Male colleagues are treated like the boys in the band while the women are relegated to the groupie status. Screaming has been tolerated (!) and bullying is a daily occurrence.