Coordination-The essence of Management

Coordination: -The process by which a manager matches the activities of different departments is known as coordination. Coordination is the force that binds all the other functions of management.

Nature of Coordination

1. Pervasive function:
   • Coordination is required at all levels of management due to the interdependent nature of activities of various departments.
   •  Without Coordination, there will be duplicity and confusion instead of harmony and integration of activities
2. Responsibility of all managers:
   • Top-level managers coordinate with the middle level to ensure that the overall policies for the organization are duly carried out which in turn coordinates with both the top level and first-line managers.
3. Integrates group efforts:
   • Coordination unites diverse interests into purposeful work activity and gives a common focus to a group effort.
   • It gives a common focus to a group effort to ensure that performance is as it was planned and scheduled
4. Continuous process:
   • Coordination is not a one-time function but a continuous process
   • Coordination is all-time process that begins at the planning stage and continues till controlling.
5. Ensures unity of action:
   • The purpose of coordination is to secure unity between departments and ensures that all action is aimed at achieving the goals of the organization.
   • It acts as the binding force between departments and ensures that all action is aimed at achieving the goals of the organization.
6. Deliberate function:
   • The manager coordinates the efforts of different people in a mindful and planned manner so that the members of departments work willingly and cooperate.
   • Even where members of a department willingly cooperate and work, coordination gives direction to that willing spirit.

Importance of Coordination

1. Growth in size:
   • As organizations grow in size, the number of people employed by the organization also Increases.
   • All individuals differ in their habits of work, background, approaches to situations and relationships with others
   • It becomes necessary to ensure that all individuals work towards the common goals of the organization through coordination
2. Functional differentiation:
   • Functions of an organization are divided into departments, divisions and sections like finance, production, marketing, or human resources.
   • All these departments may have their own objectives and policies.
   • The process of linking the activities of various departments is accomplished by coordination.
3. Specialization:
   • Modern organizations are famous for a high degree of specialization arising out of the Complexity of modern technology and the diversity of tasks to be performed.
   • This often leads to conflict amongst different specialists as well as others in the organization.
   • Therefore, some coordination is required by an independent person to reconcile the differences in approach, interest or opinion of the specialists