Analysis of contingency factors and management control systems associated with sustainable management practices

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze how contingency factors and the use of management control systems are associated with sustainable management practices in organizations. Methodology: A field study (survey) was carried out through questionnaires and semi- structured interviews with managers linked to management control systems in two creative companies in the telecommunications sector. The sample has a non-probabilistic character and the data treated using the content analysis technique of Bardin (2011). Results: The findings shows that technology, organizational culture, suppliers and customers are contingency factors associated with sustainable management practices by the study organization. The research results indicate that the use of an interactive management control system is an essential tool. for the establishment of communication among managers and employees at operational levels of organizations, supporting the implementation of environmental management initiatives. Diagnostic control has been used to monitor goals and implement environmental management practices with a positive impact on organizational performance through indicators of cost reduction, profitability, customer satisfaction and increased sales. Contributions of the study: The study provided dissemination in the literature of studies on management controls from the perspective of the Contingency Theory, above all, contributing to organizations to create environmental awareness allied to the improvement of their performance with management control practices. In addition to it, the research is relevant for organizations to develop actions to reorganize their processes and meet society's pressures for sustainable practices, increasing competitiveness and improving organizational performance.

Keywords

• management control; contingency theory; sustainable practice.