Coordination is the force that binds all the other functions of management. Therefore, this should be promoted in the organisation. 5. Need for co-ordination arises due to inter-dependency of various functional departments. Where there is no cooperative spirit among the departments/employees, achieving co-ordination is a challenge. (d) To avoid inconsistencies in priorities, objectives and policies which may adversely affect the realisation of overall objectives of the company. To resolve conflicts by domination leaves one party the victor and the other vanquished. Multiple departments usually perform the work for which an organization exists. Inherent complexity of large scale organisation give rise to problems of co-ordination and controls. In this situation, levels of authority are super-imposed upon each other, and the activities assigned to the several levels must be coordinated. Co­ordination is the process which ensures smooth interplay of the functions of management. To the extent deviations from the standard are addressed and the performance is aligned to the target, there is co-ordination. It is accomplished by means of planning, organising, actuating and controlling.” The aim of co-ordination is to achieve better results and this may be done in different ways. 6. Where the magnitude of individual differences is significant in an organization in terms of perception, values and beliefs, co-ordination is difficult to achieve. Everybody should be free to express his option. Only the harmonized policies and procedure are helpful to achieve the goals of the organisation. It is a process by which the manager achieves harmonious group effort and unity of action in the pursuit of a common purpose. Good Human Relations: Besides promoting the efficiency of operations, coordination improves the morale and job satisfaction of employees. The absence of this will create suffocating conditions in which it would be difficult for any person to stay r for long in the organization. This is known as cooperation. Mooney considers co-ordination as the very essence of organisation. Hence it involves orderly arrangement of group effort. Each functional interest in the enterprise stresses its own opinion of how the purposes should be accomplished. For example, if an engineering concern opens a new branch, its personnel department must be ready with personnel to run it. A higher degree of coordination happens when the degree of integration in the performance of various functions increases. 5. Other methods like reports, procedures, bulletins, etc., can also be used properly. Well aware people will be able to contribute in achieving organizational goals. Therefore, there is unity of action among the employees, groups, and departments. This is due to well defined authorities and responsibilities. 7. Coordination is a process to establish harmony among the different activities of an organisation, so that the desired objectives can be achieved. Features 6. 3. He should ensure the right number of executives in various positions for proper performance of their functions. Where the authority and responsibility of superiors and subordinates is clearly defined, co-ordination can be achieved. Objectives 5. Without co-ordination, managerial function will not be performed properly. The objective of coordination is to facilitate accomplishment of overall objectives. The management of an organization endeavours to achieve optimum coordination through its basic functions of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. On the other hand, substantive co-ordination is concerned with the content of the organisation’s activities. v. It is required in group efforts and not in individual effort. Coordination is implicit and inherent in all functions of an organisation. (Source: Pixabay). (f) Elimination of overlapping or duplication of work. Co-ordination will be effective, when the following principles are followed: Co-ordinating activity should commerce from the planning stage itself. 5. Share Your PDF File Co-ordination is an effort to reach business goals by means of planning, organising, actuating and controlling various activities. iv. It is the force that links all the other functions performed by the management, i.e. The presence of coordination becomes part of their job experience and hence can form a very useful part of their training”. The important techniques of coordination are as follows: 1. It ensures smooth working of the organization. The executives are of such a quality or are given such a training that they are able to co-operate and co-ordinate their efforts. [CDATA[ Sometimes it is considered as a separate function of management. There would not be any misunderstanding among employees across the cadre. Co-ordination is necessary for the following reasons: 1. It is however the essence of management for achieving harmony among individual efforts towards the accomplishment of group goals. Too much centralisation or too much decentralization. For example, when A works with B and B in turn works with C and D, each of the four finds himself influenced by the others, influenced by all the persons in the total situation. For instance, while sales department is concerned with consumer satisfaction, production department may be concerned with adhering to production schedules. 6. It is a process which can be achieved through managerial functions. Such organisation does not create any problem and almost dispute free. Administration and co-ordination are one and the same thing; one is not possible without the other. The manager brings about this process as he performs the basic managerial functions of planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling. When people in an organization is capable of independent and self-directed action and if their actions lie in different directions, coordination becomes difficult to achieve. It is the responsibility of every manager in the organization. But, now a days, the enterprise is divided into the following departments – purchase, production, sales, finance, account, personnel, research and development, public relations and the like. He will synchronise the work of his subordinates so that the goals are achieved easily. This is achieved through delegation of authority by directing and by controlling. Finally, a more technical definition in computer science due to Arbab de- fines coordination as “the study of the dynamic topologies of interactions among Interaction Machines, and the construction of protocols to realize such topologies that ensure well-behavedness†[2]. Attaining Coordination 17. The important features of coordination are: In view of the coronavirus pandemic, we are making, Introduction to Concepts of Management and its Characteristics H, Importance and Limitation of Coordination. Lack of systematic method of developing and adopting new ideas and programmes act as a constraint in effective co-ordination. Co-ordination is an essential part of organisation. 5. Henry Fayol, “To co-ordinate is to harmonise all the activities of a person in order to facilitate its working and its success.” Co-ordination is necessary to enable When production is planned with the consent of other concerned managers then co-ordination takes place at planning level. Every forecast is not cent percent perfect and accurate, due to some natural calamities like heavy rains, floods, droughts, earth quakes and certain abnormal changes in the behaviour of individuals and groups in organisation. Each of them tends to stress one or another different policy or method depending upon the experience of the department. Lack of cooperation on account of jealousy. ii. A well thought-out organisation will ultimately lead to co-ordination. 7. There is a difference in knowledge, experience, character and wisdom of managers. Coordination is facilitated by exchange of such ideas and information and brings people together. Various departments or sections are assigned different tasks to perform. Coordination is not easy to attain. Lack of administrative capability in the top officers and managers of the enterprise become a problem in establishing co-ordination. Lack of co-ordination results in inefficiency poor morale and greater wastage of resources. Mary Parker Follet has enunciated the following fundamental principles of coordination: Coordination can be achieved by direct contact among the individuals concerned. Therefore, with the help of coordination an organization can achieve its objectives easily and quickly. Coordination is one of the main functions such as … An organization is a formal group of people with one or more shared goals. It is relevant for group efforts and not for individual efforts. 6. Sound Organisational Structure – Sound organisational structure are also known as a technique of the coordination. Co-ordination is easier by direct personal contact among the people concerned. 3. In order to overcome the above mentioned problems of co-ordination and get effective co-ordination, the management should follow the following steps –. All managerial functions try to achieve integration of various efforts and co-ordination becomes the essence of management. For example, take the case of production department, where we have the works manager, and under him the superintendent and then the foreman and last the workmen. By joining different units and sections into one, co-ordination ensures stability and development of an organisation and make executive to see organisation as a whole. The managers across the level have to consciously exercise co-ordination. Therefore, coordination is necessary to bring unity of action in the organization. Or, even if they can be produced, the suitable raw material may not be available. A manager has to perform five interrelated functions in the process of managing an organization, which is s system made up of different inter linked and interdependent subsystems. Individual interest of people become more important and works as a barrier to co-ordination. It is a continuous process for achieving unity of purpose in the organisation. Most organizations have some sort of coordination in place. This is helpful in effective coordination because every aspect regarding organisation clear to each and every employee. This will avoid resistance from the workers. A clear definition of everybody’s roles, responsibilities, and the team’s chain of command is crucial in building a strong coordination and effective workflow within an organisation. 9. This may lead to confusion and chaos in the organization. It is a key of all managerial functions. 2. However, the management can always make special efforts to improve it. Organizations have several departments working in tandem to achieve their objectives. It does not involve sacrifice on any party. Harmonized Policies and Practices – Policies, procedure and rules serve as guidelines for decision- making in a constant manner. Importance 7. Managers should have opportunities to get training in the area of leadership, co­ordination, planning, staffing and the like. Effective communication facilitates information and exchange of ideas which helps to achieve the common purpose. An organisation is people. Coordination []. It is not a separate managerial function. 4. Co-ordination is the result of the process of management. Therefore, the organization experiences an increase in productivity, easier integration of micro and macro level organizational dynamics, a better connection of roles among intra-organizational and inter-organizational groups as well as building trust among competing groups, and defi… Privacy Policy3. Employees of each department perform their duties with a view to achieving common objectives collectively. It is the common thread that runs through all activities such as – purchase, production, sales, and finance to ensure continuity in the working of the organisation. These officers iron out the barriers of smooth coordination. Coordination also means „integrating or linking together different parts of an organization to accomplish a collective set of tasks” or „integrating or linking together different resources to accomplish a collective set of tasks”. The plans of different departments or sections will be co-ordinated to prepare a plan for the whole organisation. Now learn Live with India's best teachers. A vast number of variables due to the incompleteness of human knowledge limit the degree of co-ordination. 4. Establishment of an effective communication system. Coordination definition is - the process of organizing people or groups so that they work together properly and well. Party politics, desire for self-importance, dual superiors, lack of unity of command, lack of co-ordination, defective control are some other constraints in effective co-ordination. They will feel that they have a place in the organisation. Need 4. ... Responsibility means an employee's duty to perform assigned task or activities. (v) In controlling function, co-ordination is required between standards set and actual performance. These create obstacles in successful co-ordination. Management should persuade the employees to actively take pan in committees, conferences, seminars and the like. Contact among the three functional managers at an earlier stage would have made it possible to know whether the order could be executed. Watch lectures, practise questions and take tests on the go. 2. Coordination may be defined as the process of managing dependencies between activities (Malone & Crowston, 1994). The chief executive or the manager must secure harmonious action between different elements. Through coordination it is possible to bring about total accomplishment which will be far in excess of the sum of the individual parts. The coordination concept is an interdisciplinary subject and there are the two primary Advantages 19. Coordination is the function of management which ensures that different departments and groups work in sync. Coordination emphasizes the unity of efforts. The objectives of the organisation must be understood by the individuals. – Limitations: Lack of Administrative Capability, Diversification in Managerial Qualities, Variations in Managerial Functions and a Few Others, Coordination: Meaning, Definitions, Need, Objectives, Features, Importance, Principles, Advantages and Disadvantages, Coordination – Meaning and Definitions Provided by Newman, Henry Fayol, Ordway Tead, George Terry, Koontz and O’Donnell, Coordination – Importance: Views of Henry Fayol, James D. Mooney, Ralph C. Davis, George R. Terry and Theo Haimann, Coordination – Effective Co-Ordination Principles, Coordination – The Essence of Management, Coordination – Steps for Effective Coordination, Coordination – Techniques: Clearly Defined Goals, Cooperation, Harmonized Policies and Practices, Sound Organizational Structure, Managerial Hierarchy and a Few Others, Coordination – Coordination and Managerial Function: Planning, Organizing, Directing, Staffing and Control, Coordination – Problems Encountered in Achieving Co-Ordination: Conflict of Objectives, The Growing Size, Undefined Authority, Empire Building Tendencies and a Few Others, Coordination – Advantages: Higher Efficiency and Economy, Good Human Relations, Unity of Direction, Quintessence of Management and Organisational Effectiveness, Coordination – Limitations: Lack of Administrative Capability, Diversification in Managerial Qualities, Variations in Managerial Functions and a Few Others, Problems Encountered in Achieving Coordination. It cannot be left to chance, but the manager must constantly work at it. It is the responsibility of every manager in the organization. Cooperation serves as the binding force in an organisation in the face of narrow and sectional outlook. Therefore, coordination is not a separate function of management because management is successful only if it can achieve harmony between different employees and departments. Coordination between various individuals and activities is brought out by communication. Coordination is “the process of linking the activities of various departments of the organisation.”. The main purposes which are sought to be realized through coordination are as follows: This can be done by the coordination only. Uncertainty of future is the greatest challenge to effective co-ordination. Due to Subordination of general interest to individual interest, it is difficult to achieve co­ordination in the absence of proper motivation. The staffing function can also help in proper co-ordination. iii. Effective communication is of utmost importance for achieving better co-ordination. There should be a proper system for reporting. This is first principle of organisation and it expresses the principle in toto. i. Co-ordination is not a separate function but the very essence of management. When all the functions are carried out properly then co-ordination will come by itself. Coordination is a continuing process, something which must go on all the time. There are many variations in these functions which may create problems in the establishment of co-ordination. a person to improve his functions. 6. Vertical coordination takes place between the various links of the different levels of the organisational unit. 3. The management should encourage the employees to have friendly relationship with others. Join courses with the best schedule and enjoy fun and interactive classes. This would help in achieving co-ordination. 3. The personal contact is the most effective type of communication. Good coordination gives job satisfaction to the employees which keep their morale high. Hence, the chief executive has to coordinate not only functions and activities but also individuals performing different functions. Connect with a tutor instantly and get your Business involves multiple operations, manifold policies, varied skills, administrative processes and actions, wherein different managers display their talents in different roles. Our mission is to provide an online platform to help students to discuss anything and everything about Economics. Lack of co-ordination results in inefficiency poor morale and greater wastage of resources. The management should induce the employees to take active part in meetings, committees, conferences, seminars and the like. According to Mary Follett, planning stage is the ideal time to bring about co-ordination and they must see to it that various plans are properly interrelated. Coordination is a creative force which makes possible a total result which is greater than the sum of individual achievements. We believe that this definition is indeed helpful because it stresses a particular type of joint action—that is, organizing. Co-ordination is an all-inclusive concept. 2. Therefore, there is unity of action among the employees, groups, and departments. The subordinates must get proper information at the right time for enabling them to co-ordinate their work. Where right men are appointed for the right job, co-ordination can be achieved with ease. In the absence of co-ordination, administration will not be possible. Coordination improves relations in the organization It is essential that there be complete coordination, so that unity of action on the part of all is achieved. Coordination is the integration, unification, synchronization of the efforts of the departments to provide unity of action for pursuing common goals. organisation, so as to make best possible use of organisation’s resources. Coordination, the process of interaction that integrates a collective set of interdependent tasks, is a central purpose of organizations. Natural phenomenon like rains, floods, droughts, earth quake and abnormal changes in human behaviour of individuals and groups in the organisation are the examples of uncertain future. Common objectives are achieved without much wastage of time, efforts and money with the help of co-ordination. It also brings harmony in carrying out the different tasks and activities to achieve the organization’s objectives efficiently. The conflict of goals arises because everybody perceives the organizational goals differently and tries to achieve them in his own way. This helps to make use of optimum resources. Managerial Hierarchy – Managerial Hierarchy in the organisation is also responsible for coordination. George R. Terry and Theo Haimann consider coordination as a permeating function of management passing through the managerial functions of planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Therefore, synchronization between them is essential. Therefore, the inter-relationship between the purchasing department and production department as well as the sales department demands the establishment of coordination. This happens because through coordination, duplication of efforts is prevented and the time and energy thus saved are better utilized in more creative tasks. Lack of administrative and managerial skills and technique, on the part of executives and managers limits the degree of co-ordination in a business organisation. 1. The process by which a manager synchronizes the activities of different department is known as coordination. The informal relations speed up the activity of the cooperation. Coordination helps to minimize the conflicts, rivalries, wastages, delays and other organizational problems. Tight control of dynamic interfaces is essential to achieving project cost, schedule and scope targets. This is a self-control technique. Like the orchestra conductor, a manager also performs the function of securing and maintaining unity of direction throughout the organization. Co-ordination is a dynamic process and it is to be exercised all the time to ensure smooth functioning of departments. A force that binds all the other functions of management. It is a by-product of good management. Unless otherwise stated, they could also refer t… Coordination is the essence of management or manager ship, for the achievement of harmony of individual effort towards the accomplish­ment of group goals is the purpose of management. The word is derived from the Greek word organon, which means tool or instrument, musical instrument, and organ (iii) Co-ordination in staffing function is needed between nature of job and qualifications of employees and between nature of work and compensation fixed. (iv) In directing function, co-ordination is required between superior and subordinate, between orders, instructions, guidelines, etc. The manager will take corrective measures as and when required. This empire building tendency makes co-ordination difficult. The whole or entire activities of the organisation should be divided department-wise or section-wise according to the size of the organisation. Definition of Coordination. James D. Mooney considers coordination as the first principle of the organization. 4. Also, conflict between the line executives and the staff poses the problem of coordination by the chief executive. It is a continuous and dynamic process. 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