Coordination is ever present at every level of management, and pervades all managerial functions. It has been defined as an orderly synchronization or unification of individual and group efforts. It facilitates harmonization of individual and group goals. the bigger the organization and the resulted complexity, the more essential becomes the coordination. Coordination is reconciling differences in approach, interpretation of plans, timing, efforts, and interests of individuals, subordinates, compeers, and superiors.
Principles of Coordination
Mary Parker Follett has great contribution in the development of coordination principles. These principles are:
1. Principle of Direct Contact
Direct contact plays a vital role in the accomplishment of coordination. direct contact may be top down, bottom-up, and horizontal. It facilitates face-to-face communication, understanding, exchange of ideas, and harmonized interpretation of plans, policies and procedures.
2. Principle of Achieving Coordination At Early Stages
Coordination is necessary to achieve at an early stage of planning. Unification of activities becomes difficult after plans are put to operation.
3. Principle of Reciprocity of All Factors
According to this principle all factors, affairs, matters, or problems are interrelated in a given situation. These factors are so much interwoven and correlated that they cannot be viewed and analyzed separately or they will mislead the manager.
4. Horizontal Coordination Is More Important Than Vertical
This principle states that vertical coordination is not so much difficult because of incessant, regular, and direct contact between the boss and his subordinates. The real test of coordination is at horizontal level. horizontal coordination is necessary to interchange information, interpret plans, implement schedules, accommodate the requirements of each other, and smooth the working of the company as a whole. All the heads and personnel of different departments should maintain links between themselves to exchange information, know changed situations and conditions, increase understanding, and make it sure that plans are going ahead as per schedules.
Techniques of Coordination
By the following techniques the manager can achieve coordination
1. Supervisor
Supervisors should teach their subordinates concept, principles and application of coordination. He should ensure that his subordinates and their work are related with other individuals and groups.
2. Organization
Good organization itself is a good device to accomplish coordination. Good organization means proper grouping of activities, clearly defined jobs and duties, clear-cut delegation of authority, distinct correlation between different divisions, and a well directed system of responsibilities.
3. Written Communication
Written communication is very useful and effective to achieve coordination. Written communication includes letters, memos, reports, bulletins, policies, procedures, programs, and other plans.
4. Group Meetings
Group meetings are conscious efforts to accomplish a high quality of coordination. Its purpose is to facilitating unification and relating the efforts of various groups and departments.
5. Liaison Officer
Like supervisor, liaison officer is a good medium for achieving coordination. A liaison officer is appointed to unify departmental and group activities. He keeps in touch with all departments and convey necessary information to them.
Coordination is ever present at every level of management, and pervades all managerial functions. It has been defined as an orderly synchronization or unification of individual and group efforts. It facilitates harmonization of individual and group goals. the bigger the organization and the resulted complexity, the more essential becomes the coordination. Coordination is reconciling differences in approach, interpretation of plans, timing, efforts, and interests of individuals, subordinates, compeers, and superiors.
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