Management Theory Report

Name:
Institution:
Contingency Theory
Management theories are always implemented to assist in increasing organizational productivity and also service quality. Managers commonly use a combination of a number of theories, depending on the workplace, purpose and workforce The reason is that not many managers use a singular theory or concept when implementing strategies in the workplace:. Contingency theory, chaos theory and systems theory are popular management theories. Theory X and Y, which addresses management strategies for workforce motivation, is also implemented to help increase worker productivity (Douglas, 2012). The paper is going to major on contingency theory that mangers also use to increase organizational productivity.
The contingency theory of organizational structure presently provides a major framework for the study of organizational design (Donaldson, 2010). It holds that the most effective organizational structural design is where the structure fits the contingencies. There are, however, several major challenges to it. Some of these are theoretical, while some are also empirical.
Research by economists and management scholars recognizes that most of the challenges are associated with management theories are overstated. However, some challenges lead to innovations in theory. Other challenges are accompanied by innovations in various methods.
Both these theoretical and methodological innovations constitute opportunities for the contingency theory of organizational structure. In turn, they can feed into the study of organizational design. This paper will discuss first some theoretical challenges to, and opportunities for, the contingency theory of organizational structure. It will then discuss the empirical and methodological challenges to, and opportunities for, the contingency theory of organizational structure.
Contingency theory attempts to relate research on many management variables, for example, research on professionalism and centralized decision making or worker education and task complexity. It allows you to analyze a situation and determine what variables influence the decision with which you are concerned. This contingency model is based on (Carlisle, 2012).
It is true to say the heart of structural contingency theory is statics, in the sense that it deals with how a static state of fit between structure and contingency causes high performance as said by (Woodward, 2010).
Approaches to contingency theory.
There are various approaches to contingency theories and one of them is system approach According to the systems approach, one can understand organizational design only by simultaneously investigating the contingencies, structural alternatives and performance criteria existing in an organization. There is also another view of fit in the systems approach which also called equifinality (Van de Ven and Drazin, 2009) which advocates that there is not a best way in the selection, interaction and pattern approaches to fit. Multiple and equally effective alternatives may exist. Van de Ven and Drazin (2009) suggested that contingency studies should always be designed. Hence, the comparative evaluation of various forms of fit is possible and the design of organizational sub-divisions should...