Systems Design: The System’s Structure Influences Behavior

The Stanford University Prison Experiment: Structure, Behavior, and Results

Philip Zimbardo’s Stanford University Prison Experiment could be described as a system whose systemic properties enabled the behaviors of the system’s actors, leading to disturbing results.

Analyze the situation. What were the key elements of the system? How did the system operate? Why did the participants behave as they did? What lessons can be learned from this experiment about systems in relation to management?

To support this assignment, use at least 5 credible research references. At least 3 of these references must be from outside materials not found in the course readings. Your paper should be 4 pages in length and conform to the APA format.

Readings

Chapters 3, 4, & 12 in The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization

Bloom, S. G. (2005). Lesson of a lifetime. Smithsonian, 36(6), 82. (Note: This is a classic article.)

Reiland, R. R. (2004). Unlearned prison lessons. Humanist, 64(4), 20. (Note: This is a classic article.)

Zimbardo, P. G. (2007). Revisiting the Stanford prison experiment: A lesson in the power of situation. Chronicle of Higher Education, 53(30), B6. (Note: This is a classic article.)