Contingency management might in fact afford managers more flexibility in the short-term. Perhaps the best approach to management in the electronics industry or any industry is one that is combined, that allows certain elements of various theories to be incorporated into practice (Selden & Sowa, 2004). Any theory can be measured by whether or not it achieves its ultimate goals, which include the overall success and profitability of an organization (Miner, 2003).

Contingency theory allows an organization to adopt a management theory practices that fits situation factors, and this is often touted as an effective method for improving organizational performance (Donaldson, 2001).

Conclusions/Recommendations

Effective management within the field of electronics requires that managers adopt an open minded and universal approach to management. Many different theories might be applied to this type of organization, however the most effective are a systems or contingency approach. Though at first glance systems theory and contingency theory of management seem very different, they are actually quite similar, because they force managers to look at a situation from many different perspectives. In a contingency situation the manager is afforded many different choices, and works to adopt a solution that fits all situational factors. So too does the manager look at all sides of an issue using a systems theory approach, where the manager must take into consideration the impact of his/her decision on multiple systems within the organization. Both theories can be used simultaneously to elicit effective performance in the electronics environment.

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Management Theory