This study examined the work ethic of manufacturing machine operators between self-directed work teams and traditional work groups using four work ethic subscales: dependable, considerate, ambitious, and cooperative (Dawson, [1999]; Petty, [1991]). Differences in measured work ethic scores were also compared across six demographic variables: age, gender, level of education, years of full-time work experience, years of experience as a supervisor, and work shift preference. Findings showed that there were significant differences in the work ethic between those two team structures and age groups. Implications for future research were presented. (Contains 2 tables.)