Current Management Theory

Paper Summary:

This management study analyzes and summarizes "The Contingency Theory of Organizations" by Lex Donaldson. It discusses Donaldson's work to provide the foundations for a historical evaluation of contingency management. It also analyzes his effort to provide new methods of management through hetero-performance and disequilibrium models that provide wider, more quantitative economic dimensions for organizational structures.

From the Paper:

"The first half of Donaldson's book evaluates the many variables that are part of the Contingency Theory within the bureaucratic framework. In many ways, Donaldson is reiterating many theories that bring into account divisional perspectives on how management integrates contingency options for organizational frameworks. The basis for this aspect of Contingency Theory is that bureaucracies often see centralization as a negative correlation to specialization-formalization (Wagner-Pacifici, 2000, p.67). This traditional view takes up much of the book's analysis, as the critical difference to Organic Theory that Donaldson addresses the different aspects of contingency functions: "Organic theory centralization as positively correlated with specialization-formalization" (Donaldson, 2001, p.24)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bridges, W. (2003). Managing transitions: Making the most of change. New York: De Capo.
• Donaldson, L. (2001). The Contingency Theory of organizations. New York: Sage.
• Wagner-Pacifici, R. (2000). Theorizing the standoff: Contingency in action. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

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