What are the principles of Coordination?

In order to make co-ordination effective, it should be based on certain fundamental principles. They are:

1. Early start:There should be co-ordination even in the early stages of planning and policy-making. For example, there should be mutual consultation among the concerned officials while preparing the plan itself.
2. Direct contact: Co-ordination is easier by direct personal contract among the people concerned. One special advantage of direct personal contact is that the concerned persons can avoid misunderstanding or misinterpretation.
3. Continuity: Co-ordination is the basis of an organization structure and so long as the enterprise continues to function, co-ordination is a must Co-ordination must start from the stage of planning and should go on all the time as it is a continuous process.
4. Dynamism: There may be changes in the external environment which influences the activities of the business. Further, internal actions and decision may be changed or altered depending upon circumstances. In view of this, co-ordination to modified to suit the changes in the external environment and internal actions and decisions. In other words, co-ordination should not be rigid.
5. Simplified organization: Another principle which facilitated effective co- ordination is the simplified organization structure. The management may consider a rearrangement or reorganization of departments in order to have better co-ordination among the departmental heads.
6. Clear-cut objectives: Another requisite for securing effective co ordination in an enterprise is the clear-cut objective. The manager of different departments should be clearly explained the objectives of the enterprise and also they should be prevailed upon to work for the achievement of the common objective of the enterprise. A clear- cut objective and its effective communication to the heads of different departments is bound to produce uniformity of action.
7. Gear definition of authority and responsibility: A clear definition of authority and responsibility for each individual and department also facilitates effective co- ordination in an enterprise. Gear-cut authority helps in reducing conflicts among the different officers and also helps in making them carry out their job with unit of purpose. Further, a clearly defined authority helps the manager in case they violate the limits and also for any other: irregularities.
8. Effective communication: For proper co-ordination, there is also a need for effective communication. Through communication, individual and departmental differences can be resolved. Further, effective communication helps in discussing changes, adjustments of programmers, programmers future, etc.
9. Effective Leadership: Effective leadership also helps in proper communication. By effective leadership, co-ordination of the activities of the people at all stages is ensure. Further, it creates confidence in the subordinates and enhances their morale.
10. Effective supervision: Though it is the duty of the top executive to see that the subordinates perform their work as planned, he may entrust this task to the supervisors. With- the help of supervisors, any deviation from the planned course of action can be easily located and immediate steps may be taken to ensure that the activities of subordinates conform to the planned activities. Thus, supervisors can also play an important role in achieving effective co-ordination.