Coordination

It is not difficult to realise that when work is divided into many parts, something must be done to make sure that the separate work efforts accumulate to create the desired end result. 

Definition 

Coordination is the process of linking  the specialised activities of individuals and groups to one another and ensuring that a common purpose is served. 

Need for Coordination 

Following are some of the examples which describe the need and importance of coordination : 

1. If the sales department sells on credit to anyone who wishes it, sales are likely to increase but bad debt losses may also increase. If the credit department approves sales only to customers with excellent credit records, sales may be lower but debt losses will be minimum. So, there is a need to integrate or coordination the activities of both departments-credit and sales, for the effective functioning of the total  organisation. 
2. Production department may produce goods that cannot be marketed by marketing department, or marketing department wants general demand for certain goods which cannot be manufactured by production department. Similarly, Purchasing department may procure materials which cannot be used by production department, or production department might demand certain materials which cannot be procured. So, there should be proper and adequate coordination among production, purchasing, and marketing department. 
3. In a hospital, there may be disagreement between a nursing supervisor and a house-keeping supervisor over when rooms are to be cleaned. 

Benefits of Coordination 

• Provides for proper communication among organisational units. 
• Enables members to understand one another's activities. 
• Helps members to work well together in the general work flow of the organisation. 

Approaches to Coordination 

Coordination can be achieved in two ways, i.e. vertical and horizontal. "Vertical coordination" coordinates the activities of individuals and groups up and down the hierarchy of authority. On the other hand, "horizontal coordination" cuts across the organisation to coordinate the activities of individuals and groups working at or close to the same level in the hierarchy.