Final answer:
The statement that the contingency approach suggests no single best method for management and that styles should be adapted based on environmental factors is true. This contrasts with more rigid theories like Theory X, yet finds alignment with more flexible approaches like Theory Y and strengths-based management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The contingency approach indeed suggests that there is no one best way to organize and manage. According to this approach, management style should vary depending on the environmental factors. Therefore, the answer to the question is a. True. This approach takes into account the dynamics of the business environment and the need for flexibility in management practices.
Another management theory is the strengths-based management approach, endorsed by Donald Clifton. This approach focuses on maximizing an individual's strengths within an organization rather than on improving weaknesses. Clifton's research, although popular, does not conclusively demonstrate how emphasizing strengths affects overall organizational performance.
In contrast, Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y offer two different perspectives on workforce management. Theory X assumes employees are inherently lazy and require control, while Theory Y assumes that employees are self-motivated and can contribute creatively to organizational success, which aligns with the contingency approach by acknowledging that different management styles may be applicable in different contexts.