Contingency Theory: “Complex Man” or “Complex Organization”?

Abstract

Organizational contingency theory has developed from two separate bodies of research. This article examines the possible benefits of combining one approach emphasizing individual differences (the “complex man” perspective), and a second approach emphasizing organizational and/or environmental differences (the “complex organization” perspective). Research indicates that the complex organization approach deserves to be more fully developed. Future directions for contingency research are discussed.