Technology-Information Processing Fit and the Performance of R&D Project Groups: A Test of Contingency Theory

1 February 1994

journal article
Published by Academy of Management in The Academy of Management Journal

Vol. 37 (1) , 167-179
https://doi.org/10.5465/256775

Abstract

A study of 98 R&D project groups using a longitudinal design found support for the contingency theory hypothesis that the fit between a task technology's nonroutineness and information-processing needs will predict project performance. The hypothesis was supported for concurrent and one-year-later management ratings of project quality, using absolute difference scores as a measure of fit. The fit between a technology's unanalyzability and information processing, however, was not a predictor of project performance. Implications for contingency design theory and the management of R&D project groups are discussed.

Keywords

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