How one structures an organization is not only important from the perspective of productivity and efficiency, but primarily how it affects the moral formation of those who are employed in that organization. Organizational structures whether in the manufacturing, service or non-profit sector have moral dimensions that cannot be escaped. Papal social tradition has been concerned about the moral formation of all workers within the organization. This tradition has maintained that an essential component to a humane organizational structure is participation of (...) those involved in the organization, and consequently that participation must be understood primarily in terms of the formation of employees. This article explores the papal social tradition''s understanding of participation and examines its significance in today''s organizational environment, particularly in reference to work-teams. (shrink)