Contingency Theory - Ohio Northern University

Contingency Theory Ashley Fassinger, Jake Cooper, & Jordan Martin Timeline 1960s-70s Tom Burns and George Stalker conduct an experiment to see how the environment affects a firms organizational and management

systems. -Joan Woodard conducted a study to determine how technology affects organizational structure. Key Concepts

Focus on determining the best management approach for any given situation. Two types of environments: Stable (little to no change) and Innovative (great changes) Two types of management systems: Mechanistic (similar to bureaucratic classical theory) and organic (nonbureaucratic, similar to behavioral management) In a stable environment, mechanistic works best, In an innovative environment organic works best

Organizational structure is affected by technology. Key Players & Major Contributors Tom Burns George Stalker Joan Woodward

Value to Todays Practices The results of the studies conducted for the contingency theory are used in everyday management. Each study is analyzed and used as a building block to best manage a current firm.