In the case of organizational aggression and violence, organizational factors interact with other behavioral determinants. A review of the literature suggests structural characteristics can lead to violent behavior when there is an incongruence between the individual and the organization involving needs, expectations, and the environment. Two types of organizational structure are identified. The first is formal structure which consists of aspects of the organization, such as the reward system, bureaucratic hierarchy, and prescribed rules. The second is informal structure which is based on various social structures and informal interactions within the organization. The functions of structure are to govern movements, clarify roles, clarify expectations and goals, and provide an arena for actions, and it is in these areas that conflict between individual and organizational goals, expectations, and needs arises and the result may be escalating frustration, conflict, and aggression. Primary characteristics of organizational structure are complexity, formalization, and centralization. In the context of organizational structure, individuals progress along a frustration-violence continuum until intervening action is taken by the individual or the organization to overcome obstacles to goals or expectations. The author concludes the ultimate goal of the individual and the organization should be to reduce perceived sources of negative feelings in order to find a fit between individual and organizational goals, needs, and expectations. 32 references and 1 figure