Organizational structure design influences its members’ behavior. For instance, the application of rules can be so strict and punitive in a way harmful to employees, such as increasing job-related stress. The development of inappropriate norms may reduce employee incentive to work or abuse between peers. In some organizations, superiors may also abuse their power to harass employees. Think about the ethical implications of the design challenges discussed this week.

Design an organization that you think would result in highly ethical decision-making using the design challenges; then design one that would lead to the opposite. How are they different?

Do you think ethical behavior is more likely in a mechanistic or an organic structure?