Co-ordination is a process through which activities of various departments and units are synchronised for the achievement of organisational goals.
The following points highlight the nature of coordination:
i. Group activity - Coordination is said to be a group activity, as it integrates the efforts of various individuals for the achievement of common objectives. In other words, it unifies the collective efforts of the employees for the achievement of the set targets or goals.
ii. Binding force - The main purpose of coordination is to unify the actions of the individuals working in an organisation. It acts as a force that binds various functions of management. It ensures that people of the organisation work together towards achieving organisational goals.
iii. Continuous process - Coordination is a continuous process. It creates a channel between the functions of management. Coordination starts right from the planning stage and continues till the controlling stage. It ensures that the work is executed according to the set plans.
iv. All-pervasive function - Coordination is a pervasive function, as it is performed at all levels of management. It is practised by managers of all departments to ensure unity of action.
v. Responsibility of all managers - It is the responsibility of every manager of an organisation to coordinate organisational activities. The top-level managers work in coordination to ensure overall welfare of the organisation. The middle-level managers practise it to ensure coordination between the top and lower levels. The operational level managers work in coordination to ensure that the work is accomplished as per the set plan.
vi. Deliberate action - Managers practise coordination deliberately to give direction to the efforts of people working in any organisation.
