A manager has to perform five interrelated functions in the process of managing an organisation which is a system made up of different interlinked and interdependent subsystems. A manager has to link these diverse groups towards the achievement of a common goal. The process by which a manager synchronises the activities of different departments is known as coordination. Coordination is the force that binds all the other functions of management. It is the common thread that runs through all activities to ensure continuity in the working of the organisation. Coordination is sometimes considered a separate function of management. It is, however, the essence of management, for achieving harmony among individual efforts towards the accomplishment of group goals. Each managerial function is an exercise contributing individually to coordination. Coordination is implicit and inherent in all functions of an organisation. The process of coordinating the activities of an organisation begins at the planning stage itself. Top management plans for the entire organisation. According to these plans the organisational structure is developed and staffed. In order to ensure that these plans are executed according to plans directing is required. Any discrepancies between actual and realised activities are then taken care of at the stage of controlling. It is through the process of coordination that a manager ensures the orderly arrangement of individual and group efforts to ensure unity of action in the realisation of common objectives. Coordination therefore involves synchronisation of the different actions or efforts of the various units of an organisation. This provides the requisite amount, quality, timing and sequence of efforts which ensures that planned objectives are achieved with a minimum conflict.

According to the passage, coordination is considered:

Implicit and inherent in all functions

The correct answer is option 3: Implicit and inherent in all functions

According to the passage, coordination is described as the force that binds all other functions of management. It is portrayed as the common thread that runs through all activities to ensure continuity in the working of the organization. The passage emphasizes that coordination is implicit and inherent in all functions of an organization, and it is the essence of management for achieving harmony among individual efforts towards the accomplishment of group goals.

Here's why the other options are incorrect based on the passage:

Option 1: A separate function of management - The passage only says "Coordination is sometimes considered a separate function of management." meaning that coordination is not always considered a separate function. On the contrary, the passage emphasizes that coordination is the "essence of management" that ties all other functions together.

Option 2: Limited to the planning stage: The passage mentions coordination starts at the planning stage, but it also emphasizes its role throughout other management functions like directing and controlling.

Option 4: Irrelevant to achieving group goals: The entire concept of coordination revolves around achieving group goals by ensuring different parts of the organization work together. The passage highlights its role in "synchronizing activities" for achieving "common objectives."

"While coordination is viewed as a distinct managerial function but it is not any separate function. Although it is the essence, the core of effective management, fostering harmony among individual endeavors to achieve collective objectives. Each managerial function contributes independently to the overarching goal of coordination, which is implicit and inherent in all organizational functions."