The Concept of Fit in Contingency Theory.

Abstract

Contingency theories dominate scholarly studies of organization behavior, design, performance, planning and management strategy. While they vary widely in subject matter, they have the common proposition that an organizational outcome is the consequency of a fit or match between two or more factors. Fit is the key concept in this proposition, and the core problem common to contingency theories is not defining this term clearly. This paper examines three ways to define and test this concept of fit: Selection, Interaction, and Systems approaches. A critical discussion of these approaches will clarify much of the current confusion in the literature on contingency theories, and suggest ways that future theorizing and research can become more systematic and constructive. Originator supplied keywords include: Contingency theory; Organization structure; Organization design; Organization performance.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA152603

Entities

People

  • A. H. Van De Ven
  • R. Drazin

Organizations

  • University of Minnesota

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Business Administration
  • Information Processing
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Research
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Organization Theory
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychology
  • Students
  • Systems Approach
  • Test Methods
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Theoretical Analysis.