The fact that contingency theory is not a "one size fits all approach" separates it
from other theories, according to Donaldson (2001), who observed that "contingency
theory is to be distinguished from universalistic theories of organization, which assert
that there is 'one best way' to organize" (p. 3). Contingency theory is also different from other normative theories, such as the path-goal theory and situational theory. While pathgoal
and situational theory focus on the leaders' ability to match their style with the
developmental readiness level of subordinates, contingency theory encourages a match
between leadership style and situational variables (Northhouse, 2004, p. 123). This is
prospectively why the role of culture may act as a contingent variable when researching
self-leadership in different national cultures of a multinational corporation.