Synonyms
Exigency; Turning point
Definition
Identification of the circumstances under which a particular research finding is most applicable and appropriate. Contingency theories are a response to areas in organizational studies where the environment and other factors do not allow for models to be suitable in all circumstances and situations.
Introduction
As a major organization theory literary stream, contingency theory responded to the challenges identified with both the Human Relations and Organizational humanism approaches. Contingency theorists claimed both the Classical thinkers and the Human relations approach made the same mistake through the claim that there was one best way of managing all organizations. For example, Max Weber’s classical work neglected the role of structural variables in bureaucratic organization. He and others argued that specialization and formalization were key to maximizing performance. And Frederick Taylor’s scientific management was universalistic and...
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Otenyo, E.E. (2018). Contingency Theory of Organizations. In: Farazmand, A. (eds) Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20928-9_58
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