CO-ORDINATION
It is a process of integrating the interdepartmental activities as unified action towards the
fulfilment of the predetermined common goals of the organization.
According to Henry Fayol, “ To co-ordinate is to harmonize all the activities of a concern so as to
facilitate its working and its success. In a well co-ordinated enterprise, each department or
division, works in harmony with other and is fully informed of its role in the organization. The
working schedule of various departments is constantly turned to circumstances.” Features
1. It is not a separate function of management.
2. I t is necessary to all levels of management.
3. It is a continuous and dynamic process.
4. Group efforts are more relevant than individual efforts.
5. Unity of action is the heart of co-ordination.
6. It is a system concept.
Types of Co-ordination
The following are the important types of co-ordination.
1. Vertical co-ordination: - It refers to co-ordination between activities of a manager and his
subordinates
2. Horizontal co-ordination:- It refers to co-ordination among peers – ie employees working at
the same levels in organizational hierarchy and among various departments.
3. Diagonal co-ordination: It is co-ordination among the users and between users and service
personnel, which is achieved through understanding, negotiation and voluntary effort.
Principles of Co-ordination:
In order to ensure effective co-ordination, the co-ordination should be based on certain principles:
1. Personal contact: Effective co-ordination can be achieved through personal contact. Personal
contact avoids controversy and misunderstanding.
2. Reciprocal relationship: This principle says that all factors in a situation are reciprocally
, related. Each factor influences other factor.
3. Dynamism: Co-ordination is modified according to the external and internal actions and
decisions ie co-ordination should be a dynamic one. 4. Continuity: It says that co-ordination is a
continuous process.
5. Self co-ordination: According to this principle, the function of one department affects other
departments and in turn, is affected by the function of other departments.
6. Clear cut objectives: As per this principle, the departments heads should know clearly the
objectives of the organization
7. Effective communication: Effective communication is very necessary for the proper co- ordination.
8. Early stage of starting: The co-ordination should be started even from the planning function of
management.
TECHNIQUES OF EFFECTIVE COORDINATION IN ORGANIZATION
Some of the techniques that are used to achieve effective coordination are given below:
1. Direct Contact: One of the most effective means of achieving coordination is direct contact.
Written communication, modern electronic, mechanical devices, etc., can also be used.
2. Group Meetings: Group meetings are said to be an effective means of achieving coordination.
At the time of meeting, superior comes into personal contact with those connected with the actual
problems. Such meetings encourage the people to integrate their efforts. Coordination can be
achieved through regular meetings of superiors and subordinates.
3. Organizational Structure: Coordination can be achieved only when the authority and
responsibility of each and every person are clearly defined. In other words, the organizational
structure should be designed properly so as to permit coordination among various activities along
the line itself.
4. Effective Communication: In achieving coordination, effective communication plays a vital
role. Communication greatly helps in coordination. The purpose of communication is to promote
deep understanding among members by bringing and maintaining coordination in order to achieve
the ultimate goals.
5. Committees: In order to coordinate the various activities, various types of committees may be
It is a process of integrating the interdepartmental activities as unified action towards the
fulfilment of the predetermined common goals of the organization.
According to Henry Fayol, “ To co-ordinate is to harmonize all the activities of a concern so as to
facilitate its working and its success. In a well co-ordinated enterprise, each department or
division, works in harmony with other and is fully informed of its role in the organization. The
working schedule of various departments is constantly turned to circumstances.” Features
1. It is not a separate function of management.
2. I t is necessary to all levels of management.
3. It is a continuous and dynamic process.
4. Group efforts are more relevant than individual efforts.
5. Unity of action is the heart of co-ordination.
6. It is a system concept.
Types of Co-ordination
The following are the important types of co-ordination.
1. Vertical co-ordination: - It refers to co-ordination between activities of a manager and his
subordinates
2. Horizontal co-ordination:- It refers to co-ordination among peers – ie employees working at
the same levels in organizational hierarchy and among various departments.
3. Diagonal co-ordination: It is co-ordination among the users and between users and service
personnel, which is achieved through understanding, negotiation and voluntary effort.
Principles of Co-ordination:
In order to ensure effective co-ordination, the co-ordination should be based on certain principles:
1. Personal contact: Effective co-ordination can be achieved through personal contact. Personal
contact avoids controversy and misunderstanding.
2. Reciprocal relationship: This principle says that all factors in a situation are reciprocally
, related. Each factor influences other factor.
3. Dynamism: Co-ordination is modified according to the external and internal actions and
decisions ie co-ordination should be a dynamic one. 4. Continuity: It says that co-ordination is a
continuous process.
5. Self co-ordination: According to this principle, the function of one department affects other
departments and in turn, is affected by the function of other departments.
6. Clear cut objectives: As per this principle, the departments heads should know clearly the
objectives of the organization
7. Effective communication: Effective communication is very necessary for the proper co- ordination.
8. Early stage of starting: The co-ordination should be started even from the planning function of
management.
TECHNIQUES OF EFFECTIVE COORDINATION IN ORGANIZATION
Some of the techniques that are used to achieve effective coordination are given below:
1. Direct Contact: One of the most effective means of achieving coordination is direct contact.
Written communication, modern electronic, mechanical devices, etc., can also be used.
2. Group Meetings: Group meetings are said to be an effective means of achieving coordination.
At the time of meeting, superior comes into personal contact with those connected with the actual
problems. Such meetings encourage the people to integrate their efforts. Coordination can be
achieved through regular meetings of superiors and subordinates.
3. Organizational Structure: Coordination can be achieved only when the authority and
responsibility of each and every person are clearly defined. In other words, the organizational
structure should be designed properly so as to permit coordination among various activities along
the line itself.
4. Effective Communication: In achieving coordination, effective communication plays a vital
role. Communication greatly helps in coordination. The purpose of communication is to promote
deep understanding among members by bringing and maintaining coordination in order to achieve
the ultimate goals.
5. Committees: In order to coordinate the various activities, various types of committees may be
