A given structure may not be consistent with the needs and aspirations of people at work. From the view point of a contingency perspective, mechanistic structures are stable and well-defined, and as such, they appeal to people wanting "task direction" and "more routine" in their work.
Example
People working in a manufacturing or assembly-line situation who are depending more on external guidance for technical problems to be solved prefer to work in mechanistic (bureaucratic) structures. Because it provides clearly defined tasks and more predictable authority relationships.
On the other hand, while organic structures are flexible and less defined, they appeal to people wanting "task discretion" and "more variety" in their work.
Example
Scientists and other professionals prefer to work in organic structures. They have high skill levels and expertise that result in considerable job knowledge and problem-solving capabilities. As a result, they often prefer to work with more freedom at complex and uncertain tasks.
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