Coordination is one of the prominent functions of management. It is an ongoing process that helps to smooth ongoing activities and communication between the employees, whether they are individuals or groups, or teams. It always aims to minimize friction and maximize collaborative efficiency. Let us explore more about the principles of coordination, techniques of coordination, etc.
Meaning of Coordination
Coordination is very important in management. The business has multiple functions. These functions are performed by different people. In addition, performing these functions requires division of labour and grouping activities and decision-making at different levels. These need to be coordinated to achieve the desired goals. Coordination involves synchronizing, integrating, or unifying the actions of all groups in the enterprise to achieve its goals. It is a process in which managers balance the activities of different individuals and individual groups, reconcile their differences in interests or methods, to achieve a common goal, achieving a harmonious group effort and unity of action.
Defined by Mcfarland, “Coordination is the process whereby an executive develops an orderly pattern of group efforts among his subordinates and secures the unity of actions in pursuing a common purpose.”
Principles of Effective Coordination
As coordination plays a vital role in the organization, every manager tries to maintain good collaboration with other executives which helps in the growth of the organization. That's the reason managers need to understand and implement some principles to attain effective coordination. Mary Parker Follett has given a set of principles of effective coordination.
[Image will be uploaded soon]
They are,
Early Stage:- This is the most important principle of coordination, which specifies that the coordination should start at an early stage or initial stage of the organization. If proper coordination has been done before the planning system, we can provide effective plants that automatically develop the name and fame of the organization.
Personnel Contract:- Coordination itself is a process involved with human resources. If the direct contact of personnel is implemented, it eradicates Several conflicts and misunderstandings. Face-to-face communications, group discussions, grievances, and settlement methods come under this principle.
Continuity:- It is the most important principle of coordination. Because it is a continuous process and cannot be left or restricted to some activities. The entire organization requires coordination around the clock.
Reciprocal Relationship:- It is the best principle of effective coordination. Because the coordination will be in a two-way direction. If the purchasing department works with the sales department, the sales department again needs to work with the finance department. Similarly, the communication I'm the influence but also done in the same way. Every person needs to communicate with another person, and if one person influences the other, he might be influenced by any third person. So the coordination should be reciprocally also.
Dynamism:- The process, principles, and techniques of coordination should not be static. Based on the requirements and the scenarios, it keeps on changing according to the context spontaneously.
Simplified Organization:- This principle also achieves effective coordination. It is merely like a divide and rule policy. If the size of the organization is too large, it can be divided into several departments, and each department should have a coordinator or coordination head. He will look after all the collaborations, delegations, etc.
Self-Coordination:- This principle explains that expecting coordination from other departments is as essential as maintaining the same thing in our department. It is like giving respect and taking respect. Initially, if we are perfect, then we can expect the same thing from others. So self-coordination is the initial measure or principle of effective coordination.
Clear-Cut Objectives:- the objectives and standards were set by high-level management. These objectives should be properly facilitated and create awareness of all the departmental heads and other employees. All the employees have a clear idea of what they need to achieve; then they can work according to that.
Clear Definition of Authority and Responsibility:- The high cutter employees should explain and define the authorities and responsibilities to the respected person, and it should be explained to all the lower-level employees. Every employee needs to understand to whom he needs to report and what are his responsibilities. This kind of coordination is significant for a healthy organization.
Effective Communication:- Communication is the basic principle of coordination. Clear and proper communication avoids several problems and provides multiple solutions for a single problem. So proper communication should be I'm graduating within the staff, which helps to exhibit their skills.
Effective Supervision:- the high-end executives should monitor and supervise all subordinate's works regularly. They should not neglect their responsibility and should not mislead their supervision. This helps to maintain effective coordination as well as reduce the chances of making mistakes.
These are the various principles and techniques of coordination which each principle and technique has its significance and strive for the growth of the company.