Presented By: Bilu Kasanda, Charmarich Sauto, Ben Amkui, Esther Tobasi, Joshua Ali, Obed Uneune & Jeremiah Tirang ©

Leadership and Behavioural

SkillsRS 146 Social Work

Divine Word University

Outline

Content of Contingency Theory• Introduction to Contingency Theory• Main Perspective of Contingency Theory• The Focus of Contingency Theory• Contributing Theorists to Contingency Theory

Application of theory to PNGSummary

Introduction to Contingency Theory

• The term Contingency Theory was first published by Lawrence and Lorsch in their (1967) book Organization and Environment.

• The term contingency is a relationship between two phenomenon. If one phenomenon exist, than a conclusion can be drawn about another phenomenon.

• Contingency theory is a behavioral theory based on their views that there is no “one best way” to lead an organization, organize a cooperation or to make a decision. Contingency states that these actions are dependent (contingent) to the internal and external factors. These factors are called contingency factors.

James G. March

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Contingency Factors

1.Strategy 2.Size 3.Task4.Uncertainty5.Technology

cont.….

Main Perspective of Contingency Theory

Groups are stratified, with different and unequal levels of power and control.

Groups are open, dynamic systems with both change and conflict present

High discrimination and low privilege equals low opportunity Assumptions for organizations :I. There is no best ways to manage organizationsII. There must be a match between the environment and

internal resources.III. The design of the organization must fit with the environment.

Focus of Theory

How Individuals and Groups Gain:A.PowerB.Access to Resources C.Control over their lives through

collective action.

Contributing Theorists to CT

• Fred Edward Fiedler• Max Weber• William Richard Scott• James March• Paul Lawrence• Kenneth Blanchard• Paul Hersey• Arthur Jago• Victor Vroom• Philip Yetton • Carl Max

Applications

Contingency approached in Modern Technology Architectural Design. Leadership Skills & Risk Taking

Practice Applications • Useful in macro practice

through providing framework for community work on behalf of the powerless and stigmatized. • Useful in administrating

programs by requiring a review of the organizational-environmental fit.• Provides assessment for

identifying power blocks contributing to power to powerlessness.

Practice Interventions

• Build individual and community Strengths.• Support upward mobility of oppressed

groups.• Empower oppressed and vulnerable

populations through collective action.• Assess internal and external resources to

make structural and process decisions within a organization.

Practice Applications and Interventions In P.N.G

Practice Applications Practice Interventions

N.G.O’s Providing resources and equal opportunity to disability people in education and job opportunities. For example, Young Woman’s Christian Association (YWCA) and Brown Kapi Foundation.

PNG Resources Governance Coalition (PNGRGC)- an umbrella Organization to coordinate civil society efforts to support Papua New Guinea efforts to improve governance and financial transparency in the resource sector. (Assessing internal and external resources)

Summary

• Contingency theory factors such as strategy, size, technology etc.• Are factors that influence the organization .• The task of the contingency research is to identify

the particular contingency factor or factors to which each particular aspect of organization structure needs to fit.• Which will then help individuals and groups gain

power and control over resources by collective action.

• Boehm, A & L. Howard (1997). The influence of organizational and personal characteristics on community planning activity, Administration in Social Work 21(1), 31-48.

• Clegg, S, & Hardy, C.(1991). Studying Organization. London: Sage Publications.

•  https://wweb.uta.edu/projects/sswtech/6371/coursepack/theory-contingency.pdfJan 22, 2006 - Contingency theory is often called the “it all depends” theory, because ... Application of Contingency Theory to Human Services Management. Retrieved: 5th August 2016

• http://study.com/academy/lesson/functional-structure-of-an-organization-advantages-disadvantages-example.html. Retrieved: 5th August 2016

References