Coordination

Meaning and definition

 Coordination is a conscious and rational process of

pulling together the different parts of an organisation
and unifying them into a team to achieve predetermined
goals in an effective manner.

 McFarland
Coordination is the process whereby an executive
develops an orderly pattern of group effort among his
subordinates and secures unity of action in pursuit of
common purpose.
Major elements

 Balancing: Ensuring that enough of one thing is available

to support or counter-balance the other.
 Timing: Bringing together different activities under a
common time schedule so that they support and reinforce
each other.
 Integrating: Unification of diverse interests under a
common purpose.
Nature

 It is inherent in all the functions of management.

 It is the basic responsibility of management which can be
achieved through functions of management.
 It is the result of conscious and concerted action by
management.
 The heart of coordination is the unity of purpose.
 Coordination is a continuous process.
 Coordination regard organisation as a system of
cooperative efforts.
Coordination – the essence of managing

Planning

Controlling
Organising
Coordination

Directing

staffing
Objectives/purposes of coordination

 Reconciliation of goals
 Total accomplishment
 Economy and efficiency
 Good human relations
 Retention of managerial and other personnel
Types of coordination

 Internal and external coordination

 Vertical and horizontal coordination
 Procedural and substantive coordination (Procedural =
Organisation chart; Substantive = Blueprint of a
technical process)
Coordination and Cooperation

Basis of distinction Coordination Cooperation

Nature A deliberate effort Voluntary efforts

of management of members
Purpose To provide unity of To support one
action another
Inter-relationship Coordination Cooperation
without without
cooperation is coordination is
impossible fruitless
Necessity Essential. Formal Voluntary.
relations Informal relations
Need and significance

 Unity in diversity
 Team work
 Conflicting goals
 Growth in Size
 Specialisation
 Synergy effect
 Interdependence
 Empire building
 Human nature
 Congruence of flows
 Differentiation and integration
Constraints to Coordination

 Uncertain future poses a serious challenge

 Knowledge, experience, character and wisdom of
managers and their confused and conflicting objectives
and ideas
 Lack of administrative skills and adequate knowledge of
required techniques
 Lack of orderly method of developing and adopting new
ideas and programmes.
Principles of coordination

 Early beginning
 Direct personal contact
 Continuity
 Reciprocal relations
 Self-coordination
Techniques of coordination

 Clearly defined goals

 Harmonised policies and procedures
 Cooperation
 Managerial hierarchy
 Sound organisation structure
 Committees
 Communication system
 Liasion officers