Introduction to Types of Coordination
Coordination refers to the synthesis and integration of all the operations involved in a business to reach a predefined goal. In an organization, coordination is achieved through proper management and synchronization of the various departments directing the process as a whole towards set objectives. Effective coordination in an organization includes coordination of the internal as well as the external factors. There are various types of coordination in management and techniques of coordination.
Coordination increases the productivity and efficiency in an organization, brings organizational dynamics at both the micro as well as macro levels to defined synchrony, and ensures that the intra-organizational and inter-organizational groups have their roles connected effectively while developing trustworthiness within competing groups at the same time. This also ensures the organizational objectives and tasks to get clarified and established. The main types of coordination in management are discussed below.
Types of Coordination in Management
Broadly, coordination in management can be divided into two types- internal and external coordination.
Internal Coordination
Internal Coordination is aimed at building a strong bond between the executives, the managers, the departments, the divisions, all the branches and the workers or the employees. This establishes an integration of organizational activities. Coordination examples or types for internal coordination are as follows:
Vertical Coordination: Vertical coordination includes the coordination of tasks from superiors to the subordinates and vice versa. A coordination example can be stated as the coordination of a particular task from a sales manager to his supervisors. This will also facilitate ensured work synchrony from the supervisors with the manager.
Horizontal Coordination: Horizontal coordination builds strong relationships among same rank holding employees. This ensures better performance with increased productivity. Coordination examples can include those among the managers, the supervisors or the co-employees.
External Coordination
External coordination is aimed at establishing connections between the employees in a business organization with people outside of the organization. Such relationships provide a better comprehension of the outside world, in the process providing an analysis of the marketing agencies, the public, the customers at various levels, the competing organizations, the agencies of the government and the financial institutions. Public Relations Officers (PROs) play the most significant role in such cases building relationships between the organizations and the people outside of it.
It can thus be noted that as a part of internal coordination, employees report vertically to the supervisors as well as the subordinates, and horizontally with the coworkers or colleagues. As a part of external coordination, relationships are established between the organization and the outsiders. Both internal and external coordination is equally important for the successful running of an organization.
Coordination in Various Managerial Operations
Coordination in various managerial operations can be achieved through the following strategic actions:
Planning: Coordination in planning makes managers frame plans in the most effective order, analyzing what to include and what not to. Planning with coordination eases the procedure with the help of mutual discussion and constant exchange of ideas building productivity.
Organizing: Immense coordination is required as a part of organizing for the performance of business operations, directed towards a synchronized approach towards the fulfilment of organizational objectives.
Staffing: Coordination in staffing ensures the placement of the right people in the right jobs. It specifies the staff requirements helping the management to recruit skilled employees with the required qualifications.
Directing: Subordinates on receiving orders and instructions work accordingly, only with proper coordination and integration. As a part of coordination in directing, managers are focused on building a coordinating environment in the organization.
Controlling: Coordination ensures a controlled working structure in an organization. It makes the management ensure that the established standards are recognized and met with the actual performance.
Therefore, these are the types of coordination, explained with the help of appropriate coordination examples. Coordination is an important tool for establishing a healthy work environment in an organization. The management should aim for it and train its officials accordingly.
FAQs on Types of Coordination in Organizations
1. What exactly is coordination in management, and why is it so important for a business to succeed?
Coordination is the process of synchronising the activities of different departments and individuals to achieve an organisation's common goals. It is essential because it unifies diverse efforts, prevents conflicts, and ensures that all parts of the business work together smoothly. Without good coordination, efforts can be wasted, leading to lower efficiency and failure to meet objectives.
2. What are the main types of coordination found within an organisation's structure?
Organisations primarily use two main types of coordination based on the flow of work:
- Vertical Coordination: This involves aligning the activities of different levels of management. For example, a top-level manager communicates goals to a department head, who then coordinates with their team to execute the plan.
- Horizontal Coordination: This occurs between departments or individuals at the same level. For instance, the production and sales departments must coordinate to ensure products are manufactured in line with customer demand.
3. Can you give a simple, real-world example of coordination in a company?
Imagine a pizza restaurant. The person taking orders (sales) must coordinate with the kitchen staff (production) to get the order right. The kitchen staff must coordinate to ensure the base, sauce, and toppings are ready. The delivery driver (distribution) must then coordinate with the kitchen to pick up the pizza as soon as it's ready. If any of these links break, the customer experience suffers.
4. What are the key features or characteristics that define coordination?
The key characteristics that define coordination are:
- It integrates group efforts by unifying different activities into a purposeful action.
- It ensures unity of action across all departments towards achieving the main goal.
- It is a continuous process that is needed at all times, not just a one-time task.
- It is an all-pervasive function, required at every level of management and in all departments.
- It is the responsibility of all managers to ensure their teams are coordinated with others.
5. How is coordination different from cooperation? Aren't they the same thing?
While they are related, they are not the same. Cooperation is the voluntary willingness of individuals to work with and help each other. Coordination is a deliberate and conscious effort by management to synchronise the work of different people or groups. You can have cooperation without achieving organisational goals, but you cannot have effective coordination without the underlying willingness of people to cooperate.
6. What might happen if a company has poor coordination between its finance and marketing departments?
If coordination is poor, the marketing department might plan a large-scale advertising campaign without consulting the finance department. The finance department, unaware of this plan, might not have allocated the necessary funds. This would lead to the campaign being cancelled or delayed, wasting time and resources and causing internal friction and missed opportunities.
7. Is coordination a separate function of management, just like planning or staffing?
No, coordination is not considered a separate function. Instead, it is known as the 'essence of management'. This is because coordination is the underlying thread that connects and runs through all other management functions, including planning, organising, staffing, directing, and controlling, to ensure they all work in harmony.
8. What are some effective techniques a manager can use to establish good coordination within their team?
Managers can use several simple techniques to improve coordination:
- Clear Communication: Ensuring everyone understands the goals and their individual roles.
- Well-defined Structure: Having a clear organisational chart so everyone knows who to report to and collaborate with.
- Regular Meetings: Holding team meetings to discuss progress, solve problems, and keep everyone aligned.
- Strong Leadership: A good leader can motivate and guide team members to work together effectively.
