Those structures that minimize ambiguity and uncertainty with formal rules and regulations and those that continuously remind employees of what is ethical are more likely to encourage ethical behavior. Other structural variables that influence ethical choices include goals, performance appraisal systems, and reward allocation procedures.
Although many organizations use goals to guide and motivate employees, those goals can create some unexpected problems. One study found that people who do not reach set goals are more likely to engage in unethical behavior, even if they do or do not have economic incentives to do so.