The lack of sufficient personnel is a chronic problem for many missions. Missions that depend upon volunteer workers who raise their own support are particularly subject to this problem. Filling a vacant position can often take two years or more. A personnel shortage inevitably leads to overwork for others in the organization and contributes to many other job related issues.
Some people arrive on the field unprepared or unfit for the roles they are assigned.
This may stem from recruitment or screening error. As these expanded roles develop, they often lose clear definition. In addition, the person well suited for the original role may not fit well into the new or expanded role. In many cases there is little attention given to team development. As members move in and out of roles within the mission, the focus is often on individual responsibilities rather than team building.