N7 Contingency School of Management

Who is the main theorist of Contingency Theory?

• Douglas McGregor

• Fred Fiedler

• Elton Mayo

• Frederick Taylor

What is the main assumption of Contingency Theory?

• There is a single management method that suits all organizations all of the time

• There is no need to consider the organizational environment

• There is no need for flexibility in management

• There is no single management method that suits all organizations all of the time

According to Contingency Theory, what are the three main variables that management should consider?

• Tasks, technology, and organizational environment

• Tasks, people, and organizational environment

• Tasks, people, and technology

• People, technology, and organizational environment

Why is flexibility important in today's business environment according to Contingency Theory?

• To reduce employee complaints

• To increase managerial control

• To ensure survival and to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market place

• To maintain a rigid structure

In what type of organization structure does a flexible contingency approach work well?

• Divisional structure

• Functional structure

• Flat and matrix structure

• Hierarchical structure

When should a manager empower experienced staff according to Contingency Theory?

• Only in crisis situations

• Always

• Never

• Only in slow growth markets

What is a potential drawback of a contingency approach in management?

• It reduces uncertainty within the workforce

• It ensures equity in the workforce

• It may result in complaints over unfair treatment

• It leads to increased employee satisfaction

What should managers take into account when adjusting their approach according to Contingency Theory?

• Only the size of the organization

• Only the skills and experience of the workforce

• PESTEC and the best mix of all management ideas

• Only the nature of the work

What is the main aim of Contingency Theory?

• To get the best fit between tasks, people, and organizational environment

• To eliminate the need for flexibility in management

• To ensure that managers do not adapt their style

• To implement a single management method for all organizations

Why is it important for organizations to be aware of both internal and external factors according to Contingency Theory?

• To maintain a rigid structure

• To ensure equity in the workforce

• To adapt and survive in a rapidly changing environment

• To reduce employee complaints