Abstract
This essay analyzes what the contingency theory is; what the basic features of contingency theory are and which are the main contingencies which affect the structure or design of an organization. It also discusses the main criticisms against or disadvantages of the contingency theory and the relation between contingency theory and matrix organization. It asks how the contingency theory can be practically applied through a matrix organization. The paper then defines matrix organization and specifies its different forms, while looking at its advantages and the disadvantages.

From the Paper
"What must be the ideal structure of an organization? This is a question which great management thinkers from Adam Smith to Argyris and Weber to Woodward tried to answer. But none of them was able to give a perfect answer. Be it be the Classical Approach or the Human relations one, the Systems Approach or the most modern Contingency Approach none of these theories were fully correct and none was able to give a one best universal structure of organization. In reality it is not possible too. The Contingency Theorists were the first to project this fact."

Tags:advantage, approach, management, overlay, systems, thinking, thought

Abstract
This paper explains that contingency theory assumes that the successful management of an organization depends on, or is contingent to, the environment in which it performs; every decision, which managers undertake in order to achieve the organizational goals, is influenced by the specific environment. The author points out that differentiation and integration in the organizational structure are contingent on contextual factors such as size and technology of the organization and external factors such as its market with its competitors, customers, suppliers, stakeholders and the environment. The paper relates that contingency thinking affects leadership because leadership implies that managers need a certain degree of power and control in order to exert influence on their followers.

Table of Contents
Introduction
The Contribution of Contingency Thinking on the Knowledge of Management
Contingency Thinking and Organizational Design
Environment
Technology
Size
Contingency Thinking and Leadership
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The contingency approach on organizational design is of great importance as it was this field of management whose detailed research led to the foundations of general contingency thinking. Organizational design, often referred to as organizational structure is regarded as the key to good organizational performance. Like the classical management view it also assumes that organizational "performance and structure are inextricably linked" (Fincham, et al., 1999:355). The main difference between both ways of thinking, however, is that classical management research tried to find the most efficient structure for universal use, i.e. a structure appropriate for every kind of environment. Max Weber, for example, defined bureaucracy as the most efficient mean for managing an organization. His theory was characterized by job specialization, strict hierarchy, plenty of rules and much impersonality."

Tags:structure, performance, environment, influence, leadership

Abstract
This paper discusses the practicality of using the contingency theory as a management theory. The paper describes the contingency theory and when it would be useful and work well for use by a manager. The paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of the contingency theory and concludes that flexibility of leadership style is what primarily remains a key ingredient to management success.

Table of Contents:
Contingency Theory as Management Theory
Change Management Initiatives and Contingency Theory
Cost Efficacy
Recommendations

From the Paper
"Contingency theory can provide a platform or paradigm for successful leadership, particularly in the global marketplace where the market remains volatile and ever changing. Given the right circumstances this style of leadership can help promote cost reduction if it takes into consideration the environmental and situational factors that drive organizational performance. However, there may be cases where a proven management or leadership style is more apt to facilitate communication and greater response rates. This is something that organizations must consider when evaluating the pros and cons of a particular management theory."

Tags:organization, environment, leadership

Abstract
The paper considers the contingency factors of size, strategy, industry and environment and applies them to the Navman company. The paper attempts to illustrate how contingency theory has contributed the most to contemporary organizational practice.

From the Paper
"The first contingency factor that determines how organisations are run is size. A small organisation is not run the same way as a large one. The size of an organisation particularly affects the way it is structured. For example, a large organisation tends to have a more bureaucratic structure and be more rule-based (Donaldson, 2001). As an organisation increases its number of employees, managing them in an ad hoc and inconsistent fashion becomes difficult and impractical. Therefore rules and procedures are required to ensure predictability and reliability. A standardised way of managing employees in large organisations is necessary to ensure that employees are treated fairly and efficiently (Samson & Daft, 2009)."

Tags:size, strategy, industry, environment, management

Abstract
The paper looks at contingency planning and scenario planning and how they link to an article discussing the diminished prospects of General Motors as the American economy stumbles. The paper highlights how GM, like its automotive counterparts, has failed miserably to plan for the future.

From the Paper
"The following paper looks at contingency planning and scenario planning - two concepts drawn from page 191 of our course textbook - and how they link to an article discussing the diminished prospects of General Motors as the American economy stumbles; it should be added that these concepts will tie in with the major issues discussed in the article. In the end, it will emerge that GM, like its automotive counterparts, has failed miserably to plan for the future."

Tags:planning, corporation, scenario

Abstract
This paper examines the views of four philosophers, Samuel Clarke, Thomas Aquinas, Father F. C. Copleston and Bertrand Russell on the "argument from contingency" i.e. a basic five-step process that clarifies the issue of whether or not God exists. It provides a definition of contingent, that people are contingent on many things outside of themselves for existence, as is the universe and everything in it and shows how each philosopher in turn has his own version of its interpretation.

From the Paper
"In the early 1700's, English philosopher Samuel Clarke wrote an essay titled "The Argument From Contingency", in which he stated two possibilities for the contingent cosmological argument. (Hick, 1970) According to Clarke, since the beginning of time, there may have been one unchangeable and independent being from which all other beings that are or have been in the universe have received their original. Or there may have been an infinite succession of changeable and dependent beings produced one from the other with no original cause."

Tags:existence, universe, theory, dependency, cosmos

Abstract
This paper explains that systems theory is a predominant management theory adopted or currently in practice within the electronics field. It examines how this system requires that the manager look at how any one decision might affect the overall system framework. Systems theory is beneficial for looking at the broad or bigger picture or an organization as a whole. It then explains that contingency theory suggests that managers have to take into account every aspect of a situation before acting upon it, then act only on those aspects of a situation that are key to resolving the matter at hand.

From the Paper
"Correct utilization of management theory is vital for organizational planning, decision making and control (Farmer, Richman & Ryan, 1966). Because each organization and situation is unique, one management or leadership style may not be appropriate for governing all situations, however any particularly theory can be applied universally across an organization (Callaway 1999). Systems and contingency theories are examples of two management theories that can be applied universally across the electronics organization to facilitate a productive outcome in virtually any situation."

Tags:system, framework, manager, decision, benefit

Abstract
The author of the paper poses the following question: Can America be considered an empire? The author begins by defining what, in his opinion, defines an empire. He then proceeds to examine the foreign policy and actions of the United States in the past and specifically since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 before reaching his final conclusion.

From the Paper
"While it may not actually serve as a breeding ground for terrorism, the Israel-Palestine conflict has been used by al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, and numerous other Islamic terrorist groups to justify their actions and to gain recruits. With an end to that numbing struggle, the Middle East can 'move on.' The 'Road Map to Peace,' so vaunted in the early days of the Bush Administration, has clearly been supplanted by the 'War on Terror.' This crisis needs to be resolved, though. The current Israeli pulling out of the settlements in the West Bank is a good start, and horrible as it may sound, Yasir Arafat's impending demise may prove to be a good thing in the long run. Israel certainly needs to show understanding and willingness to compromise, however. Allowing Arafat to be buried in the city of Jerusalem would be a good start. A good next step would be a withdrawal to pre-1967 borders. Of course, Israel and Palestine must solve these crises themselves if this peace is to last. When it does, however, the Middle East will be a safe haven for democracy to take root."

Tags:iraq israel invasion terror empire imperialist democracy arab iran, middle east, palestine rome

Abstract
This essay explains the contingent leadership model and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The paper examines the controversy surrounding this model and challenges the Myers-Briggs Indicator and how it is used to match a leader to the situation. The paper also examines the 9-11 tragedy as a a tool for analyzing how leaders can rise to the occasion and lead effectively in a given situation. The paper then uses the example of nursing leadership, as it relates to patient care, discussing the nurse's necessity to adapt their leadership skills to the situation.

Table of Contents
Contingent Leadership
The Problem
The Issue
Leadership Styles
The Controversy
Current Leadership Trend
The Leaders Role
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"There is fault with this theory because as a society and in many organizations our leadership structure is one of "Commander and Chief" and does not match leadership to a given situation. Through out history we can point to many leaders that have had to adapt and lead despite their leadership style not matching the given situation. Leadership requires one to utilize knowledge, skills and abilities in fulfillment of an assigned leadership role. We expect and demand those in leadership to lead when the situation calls for it. If this theory is absolute then we would have to accept that one can not learn and grow as a leader. More importantly it would limit you to situations that match your skill set. So, instead of expecting you to lead in various situations you would need to be matched the situation."

Tags:leadership, myers-briggs indicator, situational leadership, controversy, 9/11

Abstract
This paper discusses Anthony Winson's and Belinda Leach's 'Contingent Work, Disrupted Lives: Labour and Community in the New Rural Economy' in relation to one of the most famous sayings in American history - "Will it play in Peoria?" According to this paper, this saying is rooted in the belief that small-scale local culture offer crucial insights into policies and products for the broader society. The paper further discusses how the origins of this commonly used phrase, is based on the practice of American musical theatre "trying out" acts in small towns like Peoria, Illinois, before moving to large cities like New York. This paper shows how this famous phrase is of direct relevance to understanding the significance of Winson's and Leach's work.

Tags:economics, sociology, business