From reconstructing and reviewing the paradigm of contingency theory, its inherent economic determinism is rejected as being misleading. Supported by considerable evidence, 'scope of choice' is suggested to be crucial for the understanding of the nexus between environmental circumstances and organizational structure. Using the idea of 'scope of choice', consequences...

A two-level scheme for reviewing contingency theory research on organizational strategy is proposed. This scheme employs a systems model for delineating the domain of contingency perspectives on strategy research at the first level and incorporates relevant analytical dimensions at the second level. Patterns observed reinforce criticisms of contingency theory research...

Contingency theory presently provides a major framework for organizational design. There are, however, several major challenges to it. Contingency theory is said to be static. However, the SARFIT formulation of structural adaptation, with the Cartesian approach to fit, provides a theory of organizational change. Moreover, difficulties become opportunities for theory...