Question

Answer the following Question:
Why is Co-ordinating function important as a management function?

Answer 1

Coordination is important for management and is said to be the essence of it. Through coordination, group functions can be
linked together. Coordination binds the people of an organisation and their activities to ensure its smooth functioning. It is the
force that unites the work and efforts of the people of any organisation towards the fulfilment of common objectives.
The importance of coordination can be explained through the following points:
i. Harmonised goals - With growth, the size of an organisation increases and the number of people in it also increases. However, greater number of people means more differences in thoughts and working habits. This may sometimes results into disharmony among them. Thus, coordination becomes important to synchronise personal and collective goals in one direction.
ii. Allotted work - Each task requires specialisation to get the desired result. For this, every organisation hires experts for different tasks. Every specialist approaches the task in his/her own unique manner and is usually reluctant in taking any advice or suggestion from others. This may lead to diversion or conflict among various specialists in the same organisation. Thus, coordination is required to integrate their opinions and thoughts.
iii. Achievement of goals - An organisation has various departments and sub-departments such as production, sales, human resource and finance. Every department works independently, with its own policies and objectives. Thus, coordination becomes necessary to synchronise the activities of each department for the achievement of common goals of the organisation.
iv. Improves goodwill - Coordinating activities and functions of management helps in achieving the goals effectively and
efficiently. This in turn helps in improving the goodwill of the organisation in the market.
v. Links functions of management - Coordination links the interrelated functions of management; hence, it is found at
every level of management. It begins right from the stage of planning, where goals and objectives are set for the organisation. Coordination is also required between the stages of planning and staffing to ensure that right people are hired for the execution of the laid plans. Also, functions of directing and controlling should be coordinated for the realisation of the desired goals.