What is coordination features and its importance?

What is Coordination?

Coordination is the force that connects all managerial functions and ensures the smooth and efficient functioning of an organization. It links activities such as purchase, production, sales, and finance, enabling continuous operation. Often referred to as the "soul of management," coordination helps achieve organizational goals through harmony and discipline among individuals and groups. While it may not always be classified as a managerial function, it is essential for effective management.

Coordination: Essence of Management

1. Coordination in All Management Functions:

   • Planning: Coordination aligns the enterprise's plans with departmental objectives.
   • Organizing: Ensures the relationship between authority and responsibility is clear.
   • Staffing: Matches employees to suitable jobs based on their skills and abilities.
   • Directing: Coordinates orders, instructions, and communications between superiors and subordinates.
   • Controlling: Confirms that outcomes align with planned results.

2. Coordination at All Levels of Management:

   • Top-Level: Integrates all activities for cohesive operation.
   • Middle-Level: Coordinates integration across various sections.
   • Lower-Level: Ensures proper execution of plans by coordinating worker activities.

Features of Coordination

• Assimilation of Group Efforts: Combines diverse activities into a unified group effort, focusing on organizational goals.
• Unity of Action: Directs different departments towards common objectives, ensuring collaborative efforts.
• Continuous Process: Necessary at every stage of management functions, from planning to controlling.
• All-Pervasive Function: Integrates activities across all levels and departments, maintaining organizational balance.
• Responsibility of All Managers: Every manager, regardless of level, must perform coordination functions.
• Deliberate Function: Coordination requires conscious effort and cooperation among team members.

Importance of Coordination

1. Growth in Size: As organizations expand, coordinating diverse employee efforts becomes crucial to achieve common goals.

2. Functional Differentiation: With various departments having unique objectives and working styles, coordination ensures all efforts align towards the organizational goal.

3. Specialization: Coordination harmonizes the work of specialists, mitigating conflicts and differences in thinking, interests, and beliefs.