The contingency approach to management emphasizes that :
AThere is one best way to manage
BManagerial actions depend on situational factors
CEmployees must always follow rules
DScientific management principles
Answer:
B. Managerial actions depend on situational factors
Read Explanation:
Contingency Approach in Management
The contingency approach, also known as the situational approach, posits that there is no single best way to manage an organization.
Effective management practices are contingent upon, or depend on, the specific internal and external circumstances (situational factors) faced by the organization.
Key situational factors that influence management decisions include:
Organizational size: Larger organizations may require more formal structures than smaller ones.
Technology: The type of technology used can dictate the structure and processes.
Environment: The stability or dynamism of the external environment (e.g., market competition, economic conditions) influences strategic choices.
People: The skills, attitudes, and expectations of employees affect management styles.
Tasks: The nature of the work being done (routine vs. non-routine) influences how it should be managed.
This approach moves away from universal principles and advocates for a flexible, adaptive management style.
Managers must diagnose the situation and choose the management techniques and organizational structures that best fit those particular circumstances.
Historical Context: Developed in the 1960s and 1970s by researchers like Fred Fiedler, Joan Woodward, and Paul Lawrence, it emerged as a response to the limitations of earlier universal theories like Scientific Management and Administrative Management.
Exam Relevance: Understanding the contingency approach is crucial for competitive exams as it highlights the importance of adaptability and context-specific decision-making in management. It often contrasts with universalistic theories, requiring candidates to differentiate between them.