In the marketing department of Zen Ltd., the staff get along well and are eager to help one another. Yet their efforts often overlap and go waste, until the manager steps in and consciously links their work towards one aim.
Which feature of coordination does this situation show?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Coordination is a deliberate function.
Option (1) Coordination is all pervasive. — Incorrect. All pervasive means coordination is needed at all levels and across departments. The case is about one department.
Option (2) Coordination is a continuous process. — Incorrect. A continuous process means coordination runs from planning till controlling. The case says nothing about coordination going on from planning to controlling.
Option (3) Coordination is a deliberate function. — Correct. A deliberate function means the manager links efforts consciously. Even where staff cooperate willingly, coordination gives that willing spirit a direction. Without it, cooperation leads to wasted effort, as at Zen Ltd.
Option (4) Coordination is the responsibility of all managers. — Incorrect. This feature means every manager coordinates, at the top, middle and operational level. The case is about willing staff whose efforts go waste until the manager links them consciously.
Cooperation is the staff’s willingness to help one another. Coordination is the manager’s conscious linking of their work.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(vi) Coordination is a deliberate function: A manager has to coordinate the efforts of different people in a conscious and deliberate manner. Even where members of a department willingly cooperate and work, coordination gives a direction to that willing spirit. Cooperation in the absence of coordination may lead to wasted effort and coordination without cooperation may lead to dissatisfaction among employees. …” |