Contingency Theory Research Articles

Sustainability Strategies and Performance of International Not-For-Profit Organizations in Kenya: A Case of World Food Programme

Purpose: The study aimed at identifying sustainability strategies adopted by international not-for-profit organizations in Kenya and how the strategies influenced the organizations’ performance. This research specifically focused on the World Food Programme (WFP) as a case study. The research aimed to examine the impact of fund generation, talent development, managerial capacities and collaboration on the success of international not-for-profit organizations in Kenya. Methodology: The research was informed by Resource Dependency Theory, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Contingency Theory of Leadership, and Stakeholder Theory. This study used a descriptive research approach. The research focused on a specific group of individuals, consisting of 319 senior and middle management personnel that work at World Food Programme headquarters located in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research used Fishers' et al. methodology to get the sample size of 174 respondents. The research used a questionnaire to gather primary data. The obtained data was encoded and exported into the computer software program known as Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis, which produced conclusions related to the topic of the research. Descriptive statistics were used to combine quantitative analytic methodologies. The main data was summarized, organized, interpreted, and presented using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations. The research findings are shown using statistical graphs, data tabulation, and measurements of central tendency. The principles of impartiality, secrecy, anonymity, and voluntary involvement were scrupulously followed. Findings: The results showed that implementing fund development as a sustainability strategy has a notable and beneficial impact on the performance of international not-for-profit organizations in Kenya (β = 0.263; P = 0.000<0.05). The study revealed that talent development has a noteworthy impact on the success of international not-for-profit organizations in Kenya (β = 0.334; P = 0.000<0.05). The study revealed that management qualities had a strong and beneficial impact on the success of international not-for-profit organizations in Kenya (β = 0.308; P = 0.000<0.05). The results also indicated that cooperation and collaboration had a crucial role in influencing the success of foreign non-profit organizations in Kenya (β = 0.206; P = 0.007<0.05). The study found that implementing sustainability strategies significantly improved the performance of international not-for-profit organizations in Kenya. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Therefore, the study recommends that leaders of these organizations prioritize the adoption of these strategies to further enhance performance.

Relationship between Leadership Cultural Characteristics and Job Performance in Military Units

Leadership has always been a topic of discussion, and for the Volunteer Soldiers, the way of doing things vary from unit to unit due to the different styles of leadership. Scholars began to study leadership theories in the 1930s, starting with "trait theory", followed by "behavioral theory", "contingency theory", and more recently, a new type of leadership theory in the late 1970s (Bryman, 1993). The transformational leadership theory of the new leadership theory covers the characteristics, behaviors, and contexts of the previous theories, and provides leaders with concepts and measurement tools that they can follow. Domestic and international academic research has confirmed the strong correlation between transformational leadership and job satisfaction, motivation, and performance (Bass, 1985; Yukl, 1989). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate what leadership styles volunteer noncommissioned officers use to lead their teams to achieve their performance goals and the correlation with job performance.

Driving SME growth and learning effectiveness: The role of analyzer orientation, learning capability, and innovation

This study, drawing on the Knowledge-Based View (KBV) and Contingency Theory, explores how analyzer strategic orientation, learning capability, technical innovation, administrative innovation, and SME growth and learning effectiveness are interrelated. Analyzing cross-sectional data from 407 founders, cofounders, and managers of trade and service SMEs in Vietnam’s Southeast Key Economic Region through PLS-SEM, the research demonstrates that analyzer orientation positively impacts both technical and administrative innovation, thereby bolstering SME growth and learning effectiveness. However, learning capability does not significantly impact technical innovation or growth and learning effectiveness. Instead, learning capability negatively affects administrative innovation. Notably, technical and administrative innovations act as mediators between analyzer orientation and SME growth and learning effectiveness. The study provides practical insights tailored for SMEs navigating dynamic market environments like Vietnam, enriching theoretical understanding of SME strategic management within the trade and service sector.

CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF LEADERSHIP: CROSS-CULTURAL ANALYSIS

The relationship between leadership and culture and the influence of culture on leadership have been relevant to scholars for the last 50 years. Culture itself is one of the determining factors that directly influence the leadership model that is most effective in a particular culture, because even understanding the model of effective leadership depends on the culture and its underlying values. Different national cultures understand the model of effective leadership in different ways, because they have different basic values and models of behavior that are the basis of a specific effective model of leadership. According to the dominant values of a national culture, people subconsciously imagine their leaders as behaving in accordance with these ideals of leadership and value their leaders accordingly. The study of leadership in a cultural context has undergone significant transformations along with the evolution of leadership theories and the development of cross-cultural management. The purpose of this study is to analyze contemporary theories of leadership in the cross-cultural context and determine the influence of culture on modern models of effective leadership. The cross-cultural analysis of contemporary leadership theories determined that almost all theories emphasize a significant influence of culture on modern models of effective leadership. Behavioral theory and contingency theory of leadership emphasize that cultural norms play a key role in a cross-cultural context. The autocratic leadership style has been found to have significant cultural limitations to its effective use, whereas transformational leadership can be used and be effective in any culture. In transactional leadership is based subordinates are not self-motivated because they need to be closely observed and controlled. Servant leadership will now gain even more acceptance in different cultures, but has already proven to be effective primarily in cultures based on individualism, democracy, and egalitarianism. Contemporary leadership theories such as relational leadership, complex leadership, ambidextrous leadership, and adaptive leadership also emphasize the need to consider the interaction between leaders and the environment as influenced by culture.

How does the technology environment impact supply chain strategy and operational performance?

PurposeThis paper investigates the relationship between technological uncertainty and the use of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, and its impact on the implementation of agile and lean supply chain strategies. It also examines the effect of both of these supply chain strategies on focal firm operational performance in terms of efficiency in manufacturing processes and delivery performance.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were gathered from 256 focal manufacturing companies in Spain using a structured questionnaire. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) is used to test the conceptual model.FindingsUnderpinned by the Contingency Theory and the Resource Orchestration Theory, the results indicate that technology uncertainty has a strong association with I4.0 technology use. Furthermore, the use of I4.0 technologies facilitates the implementation of the lean supply chain strategy and the agile supply chain strategy. Focal firm operational performance was also observed to be affected by the two strategies in different ways.Originality/valueThis study extends the literature on operations management by studying the fit between the external environment and strategy by incorporating an in-between element: the use of I4.0 technologies. This research provides a unique empirical analysis of the role of technology uncertainty and integration between I4.0 technologies and supply chain strategies.

From Turmoil to Triumph: Does Environmental Uncertainty Matter to Organizational Creativity and Competitive Advantage: The Role of Organizational Agility

ABSTRACT Based on contingency theory, resource-based view theory, and confusion theory, this research paper expresses new insights into various strategic and managerial theories that call for adaptation to environmental changes, especially during uncertain times. Further, it expands our understanding of organizational agility as a moderating role in the relationship between environmental uncertainty and organizational outcomes within the hospitality context. The data were obtained from top-level managers in five-star chained Egyptian hotels. The findings indicated that environmental uncertainty has a considerable detrimental effect on organizational creativity and competitive advantage. Additionally, the negative relationship between organizational outcomes and environmental uncertainty is significantly moderated by organizational agility. The study’s results have several theoretical and practical implications for the hotel industry.

Supply chain management in times of crisis: a multi-case study

Relying on an inductive multi-case logic, this study analyses public discourse involving four supply chain crises in Europe: (i) NotPetya Cyberattack on A.P. Møller-Maersk of 2017, (ii) the Evonik industrial accident of 2012, (iii) Cadbury’s Salmonella Scare of 2006 and (iv) Horsemeat Scandal of 2013. Grounded on contingency theory, the research finds three main operational vulnerabilities (an MSN of threats) surrounding the investigated cases: Market pressures, Sector dependencies and Network liabilities. The study also identifies four themes of crisis mitigation (4IR measures): (i) intelligence review for reassessments, (ii) integrated relationships for response, (iii) innovation resilience for recovery and (iv) integrity rebuilding for reassurance. Driving these mitigation measures is a customer-first mindset and close customer discussions that strive to restore normalcy, recover operations, and regulate networks. This research is original in its focus on a ‘supply chain crisis’ paradigm and adds to discourse on competitive and/or restorative capabilities for supply chain management (SCM) in times of crisis. Theoretically, the research advances a ‘coactive’ SCM strategy for improved SCM performance in times of crisis, and managerially, the value of the research lies in insights on ‘best practice’ for supply chain crisis management and decisiveness for confront and contain supply chain crises.

Antecedents and performance consequences of high-potential programs: The role of firms’ cultural environment

Drawing on neo-institutional and contingency theory, we argue that firms are more likely to use and benefit from a high-potential program when it is accepted and legitimate in and fits with the cultural environment. Drawing on a sample of 1,808 firms from 23 countries, our results provide evidence that the use of high-potential programs is subject to cross-cultural variations, but the pattern is largely inconsistent with predictions derived from neo-institutional theory. We find a positive relationship between the use of high-potential programs and firm performance, but this relationship is not contingent on a firm's cultural environment.

Prioritizing cybersecurity initiatives in aviation: A dematel-QSFS methodology

The aviation industry's growing dependence on digital technologies necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to counter advanced threats. This study integrates the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method with Quantum Spherical Fuzzy Sets (QSFS) to enable precise and reliable decision-making under uncertainty. Key criteria, identified through expert evaluations, include Threat Detection Systems (TDS), Data Encryption Protocols (DEP), Regulatory Compliance (RC), Incident Response Plans (IRP), User Training (UT), Access Control Mechanisms (ACM), and Network Security Solutions (NSS). Analysis using the proposed method revealed that “Regulatory Compliance” and “Threat Detection Systems” are the most influential factors, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to standards and advanced threat detection capabilities. Additionally, the significance of “User Training” and “Data Encryption Protocols” underscores the importance of comprehensive training programs and strong encryption measures. By incorporating strategic management theories such as the Resource-Based View (RBV), Contingency Theory, and Risk Management Theory, this study presents a strategic framework to assist aviation organizations, policymakers, and researchers in developing effective cybersecurity strategies, ensuring the safety and security of global air travel.

Linking green marketing and SMEs performance: A psychometric meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Drawing on the resource-based theory of the firm, contingency theory, and consumer behavioral theories, we investigate the extent to which green marketing—green products, green pricing, green distribution, and green promotion—influences the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and how contextual factors (for example, economic sector, economic development, national global sustainable competitiveness, and culture) influence this focal relationship. We analyzed 106 studies with 47,661 observations and 195 study effect sizes using a psychometric meta-analysis approach via subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Our results reveal that green marketing has a positive, moderate effect on the overall firm performance of SMEs and that the most critical antecedent is green promotion, while the performance indicator largely influenced by green marketing is innovation performance. Our moderator analysis shows that contextual factors significantly moderate green marketing/SME performance relationships. The study concludes with the theoretical and managerial implications of these findings.

Risk Management Practices and the Performance of Indonesian and Malaysian Islamic Banks: Does Digitalization Mediate This Nexus?

ABSTRACTDespite being exceptionally regulated financial institutions, risk management practices (RMPs) of Islamic banking (IBs) have always remained under the limelight due to their impact on financial performance (FP) and the influence of digitalization (DT). This study aims to investigate the impact of RMPs on FP through the mediating effect of DT. To analyze the linkage between these constructs, we created an index for RMPs, five unique proxies (mobile [MB_DEA], big data [BD_DEA], Internet of Things [IoT], cloud computing [CC_DEA], and social media [SM_DEA]) of DT, and Tobin's Q as a proxy of FP and operationalized the theory of contingency. The data between 2009 and 2020 was collected from Indonesian and Malaysian IBs and was analyzed using the two‐step generalized method of moments (GMMs) technique. The empirical findings represent that RMPs and DT have a significant positive effect on FP. Simultaneously, RMPs have a significant positive effect on two proxies of DT (MB_DEA and SM_DEA), and an insignificant positive effect on the remaining three proxies of DT (BD_DEA, IoT_DEA, and CC_DEA). Simultaneously, DT as a mediator plays a significant role between RMPs and FP. This study contributes to systematizing the RMPs of IBs by integrating digitalization which eventually will increase the financial portfolios of IBs.

The Role of Individual Performance in the Influence of Innovation Culture and Quality of Work Life On Competitive Advantage

Providing empirical evidence of the role of individual performance on the influence of innovation culture and quality of work life to increase competitive advantage is the aim of this study. This study takes the tourism sector as an object with SME employee respondents working in the tourism sector, such as travel agents, hotels, tourist attractions, restaurants, transportation, souvenir shops, etc. in the Jakarta area, Indonesia. On the basis of convenience sample selection, 528 respondents were obtained. The analysis tool in this study uses SEM-PLS. The research results show that individual performance plays a mediating role in the influence of innovation culture and quality of work life on competitive advantage. The theoretical implication of this research is to strengthen contingency theory, which is associated with competitive advantage, individual performance, innovation culture, and quality of work life. The practical implication of this study is the importance of a culture of innovation, quality of work life and individual performance to increase competitive advantage in the SME tourism sector so that they are able to win business competition and maintain the sustainability of the SME business.

Testing contingency theory to drive organizational change in community care: A case study in the Emilia Romagna Region.

The objective is to test contingency theory among "community homes" in a region in Northern Italy. Community homes constitute an emerging key setting in the Italian primary healthcare system and are emblematic of the most recent organizational solutions in primary care across countries. A case study was carried out through semi-structured interviews administered in community homes to key professionals. Results were validated in two communities of practices. Several elements of organizational and managerial variability were detected across the sample of community homes involved in the study, although they were all responding to the same regulations and normative pressures. The study provides preliminary evidence on the role of contingency theory in the primary healthcare sector, shedding light on its characteristics and providing food for thought on the extent to which organizational variability should be supported, rather than hindered.

Interplay of paradoxical virtual leadership and psychological contract violation – impact on organizational citizenship behavior

PurposeThe daunting task of managing knowledge workers virtually has not always yielded positive results. This empirical work discusses the impact of Virtual Leadership on Organizational Citizenship Behavior. The study investigated how Psychological Contract Violation moderates the relationship between Virtual Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behavior.Design/methodology/approachData was collected from 392 IT engineers working in software companies in India. The cross-sectional data was analyzed using Warp-PLS software, IBM SPSS and IBM Amos.FindingsThe results support the proposition that virtual leadership is negatively associated with Organizational citizenship behavior, at sub-dimension levels except obedience. The moderating role of psychological contract violation is also established by the results.Practical implicationsVirtual leaders should demonstrate collaborative behaviors to generate organizational citizenship behavior among team members. Leaders should be imparted training to enable them to adapt themselves to virtual environment. This study highlights the paradoxical nature of virtual leadership and opens the possibilities for future research.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first to report a negative association between Virtual leadership and Organization citizenship behavior. There is uniqueness in the use of the “Contingency theory of leadership” to explain the difficulties faced while managing a virtual team.

Determinants and impact of production planning and control accounting techniques on competitiveness of manufacturing companies: a structural equation modelling approach

PurposeThis study aims to investigate four internal (organisational structure, quality of information technology, business strategy and market orientation) and two external (competition intensity and perceived environmental uncertainty) contextual factors affecting the use of production planning and control accounting techniques (PPC), as well as the impact of PPC usage on organisational competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachSeven major PPC techniques were investigated, namely: attribute costing, lifecycle costing, quality costing, target costing, value-chain costing, activity-based costing and activity-based management. By deploying a multi-informant strategy, a structured questionnaire was used to gather survey data from 129 senior accounting, finance and production personnel of publicly quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria.FindingsThe results, using structural equation modelling, show that market orientation is the strongest determinant of PPC usage. The inability of competition intensity and perceived environmental uncertainty to notably affect PPC usage suggests that external environmental pressure to use PPC is weak. Although PPC can engender organisational competitiveness, their interactive usage yields optimal results.Originality/valueThe study contributes to knowledge by: (i) presenting evidence that although PPC techniques can engender organisational competitiveness, it is their interactive usage that yields optimal results; (ii) empirically demonstrating that contextual factors influence PPC usage in line with the contingency theory; and (iii) validating the diffusion of innovation theory that organisations will typically deploy PPC techniques because of their relative advantage of improving organisational competitiveness.

The impact of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperative behavior in construction projects: evidence from Chinese construction industry

PurposeAntagonistic relationship among the participants of construction projects has significantly improved, and further improving cooperation quality are committed. In this context, expanding new ways to improve cooperation quality has become a new topic in cooperation research. This study is dedicated to exploring the mechanism of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperative behaviors, which is rarely addressed in current research on construction projects, and provides reference for the rational use of cross-organizational private relationships.Design/methodology/approachBased on analysis of studies related to relational governance theory, institutional theory and project complexity, this study constructs the theoretical model. This study uses survey data from 395 construction professionals in China to test the theoretical model by using structural equation modeling (SEM) and explains the direct and indirect mechanism of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperation behavior.Findings(1) Cross-organizational private relationships have direct and indirect facilitating effect on cooperation behavior. (2) Relational norms as mediating variables contribute to the expansion of the positive effects of cross-organizational private relationships on cooperation behavior. (3) Institutional environment and project complexity have the moderating effect between cross-organizational private relationships and cooperation behavior.Originality/valueThis research investigates the impact mechanisms and boundary conditions of cross-organizational private relationships at the micro level on the cooperative behaviors in construction projects and conducts empirical research. It is a topic that has not been adequately researched in the field of project management. The research results expand the scope of research on relational governance and deepen the research on the antecedents of relational norms. It provides the base for the proposed contingency theory of relational governance.

Revitalizing Performance of Three Star Hotels in Machakos County, Kenya Through the Application of Turnaround Strategies

This study sought to assess the effect of turnaround strategies on performance of selected three-star hotels in Machakos County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the impact of downsizing, divestiture, price bundling, and repositioning on the performance of three-star hotels in Machakos County, Kenya. The research was grounded on the balance scorecard theory, contingency theory, institutional theory, and resource-based view theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A total of 454 (Finance staff, HR staff, and Marketing staff, Guests) involved in operation of three-star hotels were targeted. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 135 respondents. Semi-structured questionnaires were utilized to gather primary data. A pilot study was done using 10 participants who were not involved in the final data gathering to check validity and reliability of study instrument. To explore the impact of the link between the independent and dependent variables, multiple regression analysis was performed. The study findings show that coefficient of correlation was 0.789, an indication that the study variables significantly influenced performance of three-star hotels. Coefficient of adjusted determination was 0.615 which translates to 61.5%. This indicates that variations in dependent variable was explained by the independent variables (downsizing strategy, divestiture strategy, price bundling and repositioning strategy). The findings also established that P-value was 0.001 which is less than 0.05 an indication that the study variables significantly influenced performance of three-star hotels. The study concludes that turnaround strategies significantly affect the performance of selected three-star hotels in Machakos County, Kenya. The hotel administrators should come up with reliable communication channels about the reasons behind the downsizing staff and offer support services for affected employees. The three-star hotels should conduct thorough due diligence before divesting any assets. This includes a comprehensive analysis of the financial implications, potential impact on market share, and considerations of the long-term strategic goals of the organization.

Advancing financial crisis prediction: Big data, AI, and economic theories

This paper explores the theoretical foundations of financial crisis early warning systems, focusing on the integration of big data, ensemble learning, and various financial crisis theories. It begins with defining key concepts such as big data, financial crisis, and ensemble learning, highlighting the evolution and significance of these terms in the context of financial crisis management. The literature review covers extensive research on financial crisis early warning indicators and models, tracing the development from traditional statistical methods to advanced artificial intelligence approaches, including neural networks, decision trees, and machine learning algorithms. The paper critically assesses the current methodologies and emphasizes the necessity of incorporating big data and machine learning for more accurate and comprehensive early warning systems. Theoretical foundations related to financial crises, such as information asymmetry, behavioral economics, economic cycle theory, and contingency theory, are discussed to understand their impact on financial crisis prediction and management. The conclusion synthesizes the findings and suggests future research directions, emphasizing the integration of diverse methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance the early warning capabilities of enterprises.

Optimal supply chain performance: risk aversion to green innovation

PurposeAlthough many countries are focusing on the management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) resource utilization, the effect of risk aversion of the green innovation-led enterprise on the performance of the CDW resource utilization supply chain is unclear when considering different green innovation contexts (green innovation led by the building materials remanufacturer or by the construction waste recycler). This study aims to investigate how the level of risk aversion of the green innovation-led enterprise affects CDW resource utilization under different green innovation contexts based on contingency theory.Design/methodology/approachUsing Stackelberg game theory, this study establishes a decision model consisting of a building materials remanufacturer, construction waste recycler and CDW production unit and investigates how the level of risk aversion of the green innovation-led enterprise under different green innovation contexts influences the performance level of the supply chain.FindingsThe conclusions are as follows. (1) For the green innovation-led enterprise, the risk-averse behaviour is always detrimental to his own profits. (2) For the follower, the profits of the construction waste recycler are negatively correlated with the level of risk aversion of the green innovation-led enterprise in the case of a small green innovation investment coefficient. If the green innovation investment coefficient is high, the opposite result is obtained. (3) When the green innovation investment coefficient is low, the total supply chain profits decrease as the level of risk aversion of the green innovation-led enterprise increases. When the green innovation investment coefficient is high, total supply chain profit shows an inverted U-shaped trend with respect to the degree of risk aversion of the green innovation-led enterprise.Originality/value(1) This study is the first to construct a green innovation context led by different enterprises in the CDW resource utilization supply chain, which provides a new perspective on green management and operation. (2) This study is the first to explore the operation mechanism of the CDW resource utilization supply chain based on contingency theory, which provides new evidence from the CDW resource utilization supply chain to prove contingency theory. At the same time, this study examines the interactive effects of the green innovation cost coefficient and the degree of risk aversion of green innovation-led enterprises on the performance of supply chain members, expanding the contingency theory research on contingencies affecting enterprise performance. (3) This study will guide members of the CDW resource utilization supply chain to rationally face risks and achieve optimal supply chain performance.

Evidence of contingency factors related to financial management in state secretariats in the northern region of Brazil

This research aims to highlight the contingency factors influencing financial management in governmental entities. To achieve this goal, a descriptive, qualitative methodology was adopted, with data collection via individual electronic surveys sent to employees of different secretariats within a Brazilian state. The theoretical framework identified the following contingency variables: Environment, Structure, Technology, Information Technology, and Strategy. The results indicate that Contingency Theory (integration of contingency factors) impacts financial management, with Strategy being the only contingency variable showing interference in financial management when analyzed separately. Thus, the analyzed secretariats align with regulations, addressing managerial issues related to Environment, Structure, Technology, and Information Technology factors.