- Rejects the idea of one-size-fits-all management approaches.
- Proposes that the effectiveness of management practices depends on the specific context of the organization.
- Focuses on the fit between the organization's internal factors (e.g., size, structure, culture) and its external environment (e.g., competition, technology).
Early theories of management:
- Focused on identifying universal principles of management that could be applied to any organization, regardless of its context.
- Proposed that there is one best way to manage an organization.
- Assumed that all organizations are essentially similar and that the same management practices will work for all.
In summary, the contingency approach recognizes the complexity and diversity of organizations, while early theories of management proposed overly simplified and one-size-fits-all solutions. The contingency approach emphasizes the need to adapt management practices to the specific circumstances of an organization in order to achieve high performance.