Coordination — The Essence of Management

• A manager has to perform five interrelated

functions in the process of managing an

organisation which is a system made up of

different interlinked and interdependent

subsystems.

• A manager has to link these diverse groups

towards the achievement of a common goal

• It is the common thread that runs

through all activities such as

purchase, production, sales, and

finance to ensure continuity in the

working of the organisation.

• Coordination is sometimes considered a separate function of management.

• It is however, the essence ( important quality) of management, for achieving harmony among individual efforts towards the accomplishment of group goals.

• Each managerial function is an exercise contributing individually to coordination.

• Coordination is implicit and inherent in all functions of an organisation.

• The process of coordinating the activities of an organisation begins at the planning stage itself.

• Top management plans for the entire organisation.

• According to these plans the organisational structure is developed and staffed.

• In order to ensure that these plans are executed according to plans direction is required.

• Any discrepancies between actual and realised

activities are then taken care of at the stage of

controlling.

• It is through the process of

coordination that a manager ensures

the orderly arrangement of individual

and group efforts to ensure unity of

action in the realisation of common

objectives.

• Coordination therefore involves

synchronisation of the different

actions or efforts of the various units

of an organisation.

• This provides the requisite amount, quality,

timing and sequence of efforts which ensures

that planned objectives are achieved with a

minimum of conflict.

• Coordination is working together by

Interpreting programmes, plans, policies and practices

Providing growth and development of employees

Keeping in touch with employees and a sense of perspective Providing the climate for

success

Providing for the free flow of information

Creating the Right Work Climate

• It is mainly through the ability to create the

climate for success that a manger can step up

employee efforts to the point where

employees approach their potential .

• Without a proper climate, none of the skills

and principles of management can flower and

bear fruits.

Six Principles of Creating the Climate

Set a good example

Conscientiously seek participation

Be goals –and results-

centeredGive credit and

blame as needed- credit in public and

blame in private

Be fair , consistent

and honest Inspire confidence

and lend encouragement

Good managers know how to use these principles to create a productive working climate

In the absence of coordination what results is chaos