COORDINATION AS ESSENCE OF

MANAGEMENT
Existence of disintegrating forces emphasises the need for greater coordination
among various divisions of an enterprise. The disintegrating forces may act as
barriers to effective coordination. The factors that emphasize the need for
coordination are:
 Increasing specialization: Coordination becomes essential when the
principle of specialization has been practised in a work area. The activities
of the unit may be divided on the basis of product, function, region or some
other form. Every employee is mostly concerned about his/her unit’s
performance. It results in conflicting interests within the same organization.
Good coordination paves the way for effective integration of efforts of all
people for the accomplishment of a common goal.
 Empire-building motive: Each employee is motivated by his performance
in the unit. This kind of attitude may fulfill his personal and professional ego
but will isolate him from others. Organizational goals cannot be accomplished
with this approach. Coordination is essential to ease an awkward situation.
 Personal conflicts between employees: Personal rivalries, jealousies and
politics among the employees in the work situation are bound to create
problems for the management. For example, conflicts between any two
divisions or departments of the organization create problems in the smooth
functioning of an organization. Coordination helps in harmonizing group efforts
within the organization.
 Subordination of individual interests to those of organizational
interests: Individual interests are important for developing loyalty, integrity,
hard work, initiation and motivation. Organizational interests, however, are
much more important than individual interests. For achieving organizational
interests, sometimes subordination of individual needs becomes necessary
as organizational goals come prior to individual goals. The purpose of
coordination is to attain the organizational interest.
Introduction to
Management
NOTES
Self-Instructional
18 Material
The importance of coordination need not be over emphasized. The primary task
of management is to coordinate all the activities effectively. It is a creative force
through which employees are encouraged to contribute to group goals voluntarily,
willingly and enthusiastically. Coordination allows personal and social satisfaction
among employees.