OGL 481 Pro-Seminar I:

PCA-Structural Frame Worksheet

Worksheet Objectives:
1. Describe the structural frame
2. Apply the structural frame to your personal case situation

Complete the following making sure to support your ideas and cite from the textbook and other
course materials per APA guidelines. After the peer review, you have a chance to update this and
format for your Electronic Portfolio due in Module 6.

1) Briefly restate your situation from Module 1 and your role.

In Module 1, I am situated within the context of the Volkswagen emissions scandal that
emerged in 2015. As a dedicated Volkswagen enthusiast and a passionate lover of cars, I bring a
unique blend of personal connection and automotive expertise to the analysis of this scandal. My
role involves contributing valuable insights, both technical and emotional, to the understanding
of the scandal's complexities.

2) Describe how the structure of the organization influenced the situation.

The structure of Volkswagen, as a large and globally integrated automotive corporation,

significantly influenced the emergence and handling of the emissions scandal. Operating as a
massive conglomerate with multiple brands under its umbrella, including Volkswagen Passenger
Cars, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Bentley, Porsche, and more, the organizational structure exhibited
both strengths and vulnerabilities that played a role in the scandal's unfolding. The decentralized
nature of Volkswagen's structure, with various brands operating semi-independently, could have
contributed to a lack of cohesive oversight. Decision-making processes and communication
across different brands might not have been as streamlined as needed to catch and address
potential ethical or regulatory violations. This decentralized structure could have allowed for the
development and deployment of the "defeat device" without proper cross-brand scrutiny or
awareness. Furthermore, the organizational hierarchy within Volkswagen could have led to an
environment where pressure to achieve performance targets and financial goals was prioritized
over ethical considerations. This top-down hierarchical structure might have inadvertently
created an environment where employees felt compelled to meet ambitious emissions targets and
performance metrics, potentially incentivizing the use of unethical practices to ensure
compliance on paper while sidestepping real-world emissions standards.

Additionally, the complex organizational structure might have contributed to a diffusion of

accountability. The intricate web of departments, divisions, and brands could have made it

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challenging to clearly assign responsibility for regulatory compliance, fostering an environment
where individuals and teams were less likely to be held accountable for deviations from ethical
and legal standards. In this way, while Volkswagen's organizational structure facilitated its
global presence and diverse brand offerings, it also introduced complexities that potentially
hindered effective communication, oversight, and ethical decision-making. Understanding these
structural influences is essential in comprehending how the emissions scandal was able to
transpire and persist, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication and cohesive
oversight mechanisms within large and decentralized organizations.

3) Recommend how you would use structure for an alternative course of action
regarding your case.

Considering the Volkswagen emissions scandal, I recommend a reimagined organizational

structure that could have averted such a crisis and fostered a culture of responsible decision-
making. If I were in a position to influence the situation, I would propose a more centralized
approach that places a premium on transparency, collaboration, and ethical accountability. I
recommend the establishment of a dedicated environmental oversight division within
Volkswagen, comprising experts from various disciplines. This team would be responsible for
rigorously monitoring emissions standards and ethical considerations across all brands. By
centralizing this function, the organization could ensure consistent, accurate, and transparent
emissions testing, preventing the manipulation that led to the scandal. This would also facilitate
collaboration among brands, as experts could share insights and best practices, promoting a
unified approach to environmental compliance.

In addition, I would recommend a direct line of reporting to the highest levels of leadership.
This would involve regular updates on emissions testing results, regulatory adherence, and
ethical considerations presented to the CEO and board of directors. By fostering a culture of
accountability, this reporting structure would discourage unethical behavior and ensure that
potential issues are promptly addressed. This open and transparent communication channel
would demonstrate a commitment to ethical integrity and reinforce a shared responsibility for the
organization's actions. In essence, I believe that a restructured organizational framework,
prioritizing central oversight, cross-brand collaboration, and transparent communication, could
have prevented the emissions scandal. By infusing ethics and accountability into the core of the
company's operations, Volkswagen could have maintained consumer trust, protected its
reputation, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility.

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 4) Reflect on what you would do or not do differently given what you have learned
about this frame.

Reflecting on the insights gained from analyzing the role of organizational structure in the
Volkswagen emissions scandal, I would approach my involvement in a more proactive and
preventive manner. Understanding how the organizational framework contributed to the scandal,
I would prioritize clear lines of accountability, open communication channels, and ethical
considerations in every decision-making process. Given the knowledge that a decentralized
structure can inadvertently lead to siloed decision-making and accountability diffusion, I would
advocate for more transparent cross-brand collaboration. I would actively work to establish a
platform where experts from different brands could regularly share insights, challenges, and best
practices related to emissions compliance. By fostering a culture of collaboration and shared
knowledge, we could collectively identify potential red flags or irregularities sooner, preventing
unethical practices from going unnoticed.

Moreover, knowing that the reporting structure significantly impacts an organization's

responsiveness to emerging issues, I would ensure that communication lines to top leadership are
strong and effective. I would advocate for regular and transparent reporting of emissions testing
results, potential concerns, and regulatory compliance to the CEO and board of directors. This
level of transparency would underscore the organization's commitment to ethical practices and
environmental responsibility, demonstrating that we take our obligations seriously. In retrospect,
armed with the knowledge about the impact of organizational structure on the scandal, I would
be more resolute in fostering an environment of open communication, collaboration, and ethical
accountability. By understanding the lessons from this case, I would aim to prevent such a crisis
from occurring again, safeguarding the company's reputation, consumer trust, and the well-being
of our planet.

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 Reference or References

Atiyeh, C. (2021, November 29). Everything you need to know about the VW diesel-emissions
scandal. Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15339250/everything-you-
need-to-know-about-the-vw-diesel-emissions-scandal/

Hotten, R. (2015, December 10). Volkswagen: The Scandal explained. BBC News.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772