WOODWARD’S CONTINGENCY THEORY OF
TECHNOLOGY
Typology of production processes
7
Technology classification
Low
Production of single pieces to customers
Group I
Production of technically complex units
Small batch & one at a time unit production
3.
Fabrication of large equipment in stages
4.
Production of pieces in small batches
5.
Production of components in large batches
& subsequently assembled diversely
Degree of
6.
Production of large batches in assembly line
Group II automation 7.
Mass production
Large batch &
8. Continuous process production combined mass production with preparation of product by large batch or mass production
9.
Continuous process production of chemicals in batches
Group III
10. Continuous flow production of liquids, gases and solid shapes
Continuous
1.
2.
TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS
Structural dimensions
Levels of management
Span of control
Formalization
Centralization
Verbal communication
Skill level of workers
Overall structure
Unit production Mass production 3
23
low low high high 4
48
high high low low organic
Continuous process 6
15
low low high high mechanistic
orga
Noted a high degree of similarity in structural features between unit production and continuous process
• Woodward mainly studied small and medium sized organizations
