C oordination The definitions given above highlight the following features of coordination: (i) Coordination integrates group efforts: Coordination unifies unrelated or diverse interests into purposeful work activity. It gives a common focus to group effort to ensure that performance is as it was planned and scheduled. (ii) Coordination ensures unity action: The purpose coordination is to secure unity of action in the realisation of a common purpose. It acts as the binding force between departments and ensures that all action is aimed at achieving the goals of the organisation.
At Namchi Designer Candles, production sales department have to coordinate their work, so that production takes place according to the demand in the market. (iii) Coordination is a continuous process: Coordination is not one-time function but continuous process. It begins at the planning stage and continues till controlling. Smita plans her dewali collection in the month of June itself.
She has to then ensure that there is adequate workforce continuously monitor whether production is proceeding according to plans. Her marketing department also has to be briefed in time to prepare their promotional and advertising campaigns. (iv) Coordination is an all pervasive function: Coordination is required at all levels of management due to the interdependent nature of activities of various departments. It integrates the efforts of different departments and different levels.
The purchase, production and sales departmental efforts have to be coordinated by Smita for achieving organisational objectives harmoniously. The purchase department is responsible for procuring fabric. This then becomes the basis of the activities of the production department In the absence of coordination what results is chaos and finally sales can take place. If fabric purchased is of an inferior quality or is not according to the specifications of the production department, further sales will also decline.
In the absence of coordination there is overlapping and chaos instead of harmony and integration of activities. (v) Coordination is the responsibi- lity of all managers: Coordi- nation is the function of every manager in the organisation. Top level managers need to coordinate with their subordinates to ensure that the overall policies for the organisation are duly carried out. Middle level management coordinates with both the top level and first line managers.
Operational level management coordinates the activities of its workers to ensure that work proceeds according to plans. (vi) Coordination is a deliberate function: A manager has to coordinate the efforts of different people in a conscious deliberate manner. Even where members department willingly cooperate and work, coordination gives a direction to that willing spirit. Cooperation in absence of coordination may lead to wasted effort and coordination without cooperation may lead to dissatisfaction among employees.
Coordination, therefore, is not a separate function of management, but its very essence. For an organisation effectively efficiently achieve its objectives coordination is required. Like a thread in a garland, coordination is a part of all management functions.