Coordinating is a horizontal function. It creates linkages between different verticals. Coordination is a choice whereas directing is a compulsion of the job.
Processes of Scientific Management Coordinating
All the activities divided group-wise or section-wise under organizing function. Now, such grouped activities coordinated towards the accomplishment of organizational objectives and goals. The difficulty of coordination depends upon the size of the organization. It increases with the increasing size of the organization.
According to Knootz and O’Donell, “The last coordination occurs when individuals see how their jobs contribute to the dominant goals of the enterprise. This implies knowledge and understanding of enterprise objectives”.
Coordination is the management of interdependence in work situations. It is the orderly synchronization or fitting together of the interdependent efforts of individuals. For example, in a hospital, the activities of doctors, nurses, ward attendants, and lab technicians must properly synchronized if the patient is to receive good care.
Similarly, in a modern enterprise, which consists of a number of departments, such as production, purchase, sales, finance, personnel etc., there is a need for all of them to properly time their interdependent activities and to effectively reunite the subdivided work. To coordinate is to keep expenditure proportional to financial resources; equipment and tools to production needs; stocks to the rate of consumption; sales to production. It is to build the house neither too big nor too small; adapt the tool to its use; the road to the vehicle; the safety precaution to the risks.
In a well-coordinated enterprise, the following facts observed
- Each department works in harmony with the rest. Stores know what has to supplied and at what time; production knows its target; maintenance keeps equipment and tools in good order.
- Each department, division, and subdivision is precisely informed about the share it must take in the common task.
- The working schedule of the various departments is constantly tuned to the circumstances.
The example of the process: Coordinating is a horizontal function. It creates linkages between different verticals. Coordination is a choice whereas directing is a compulsion of the job. Not many people like to coordinate the activities between various sections. It involves talking to persons across the line to get certain things done. It creates linkages between dissimilar functions, It unifies the work of one section with some other section.
Meaning and Definition
Coordination refers to the process of organizing people or groups so that they work together properly and efficiently. It involves aligning and synchronizing the activities of different sections or departments to achieve the overall objectives of the organization.
Definition: According to Knootz and O’Donnell, “The last coordination occurs when individuals see how their jobs contribute to the dominant goals of the enterprise. This implies knowledge and understanding of enterprise objectives.”
Examples
- Healthcare: In a hospital, the coordination between doctors, nurses, ward attendants, and lab technicians ensures that patients receive timely and comprehensive care.
- Manufacturing: Coordination between the production, purchasing, sales, and maintenance departments ensures smooth operations and timely delivery of products.
Importance
- Efficiency: Proper coordination improves operational efficiency by ensuring that different parts of the organization work together seamlessly.
- Resource Utilization: It helps in the optimal utilization of resources by avoiding duplication of work and reducing wastage.
- Goal Achievement: Coordination aligns the activities of various departments with the overall goals of the organization, making it easier to achieve these goals.
- Conflict Reduction: Provides clarity of roles and responsibilities, thus reducing misunderstandings and conflicts between departments.
- Adaptability: Enhances the organization’s ability to adapt to changes and uncertainties in the business environment.
Advantages
- Improved Performance: Coordinated efforts lead to better performance as the collective efforts are aligned with the goals.
- Enhanced Communication: Facilitates better communication among different departments, leading to a clearer understanding of tasks and responsibilities.
- Synergy: Creates synergy by combining the strengths of different departments and making the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
- Flexibility: Increases the organization’s ability to respond to changes quickly and efficiently.
- Employee Morale: Boosts employee morale as everyone understands their role and how it contributes to the organization’s success.
Disadvantages
- Complexity: The need for coordination increases with the size and complexity of the organization, making it a challenging task.
- Time-Consuming: Effective coordination requires time and effort, which can be resource-intensive.
- Resistance to Change: Employees or departments may resist changes that are necessary for better coordination.
- Cost: Implementing coordination mechanisms, such as meetings, software tools, and communication systems, can increase operational costs.
- Over-Reliance: Too much focus on coordination can lead to over-reliance on structure, potentially stifling creativity and innovation.
By understanding and implementing effective coordination, organizations can enhance efficiency, achieve their objectives, and foster a harmonious working environment. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the potential challenges to maintain a balanced approach.
Notes: You will come to know the definitions of all the seven Processes of Scientific Management; Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Motivating, Controlling.
