title: The dynamics of corruptogenic organizations.
abstract: Corruptogenic organizational dynamics have been largely ignored in reporting about recent corporate scandals. Using a large group framework, the author identifies factors within an organization that create a breeding ground for unethical or illegal behavior and attract individuals unconsciously looking for ways to damage themselves or others. An organizational culture that promotes questionable attitudes and behaviors along with subgroups that produce powerful corruptive forces can destroy a firm and damage the economy. Enron and the Madoff investment group are identified as corruptogenic organizations put together by founders and a leadership core bent on self-destruction and traumatizing the community-outcomes beyond that which are usually linked to greed. Suggestions are provided to organizational consultants and policy makers as to how to determine the potential for corruption hidden in their midst and to implement countervailing structures and processes.
authors.affiliation: Past President of AGPA, former president of the Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society, and in the private practice of psychotherapy and organizationalconsultation in New York City. He also teaches in the MPH program at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. This article is based on a presentation made at the 2008 annual meeting of AGPA in Washington, D.C.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kleinberg
mesh_terms: D005376:Financial Management / Q000941:ethics*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009938:Organizations / Q000941:ethics*