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Difference between coordination and cooperation

Coordination and cooperation are two related concepts but not exactly same. Their are some differences between these two concepts. We can explain difference between cooperation and coordination with the help of following points and suitable examples.

Co-ordination Vs. Co-operation: Their are some major points of difference between cooperation and coordination. These points are given as below.

Definition

Co-operation is the collective bargaining efforts of people who associate voluntarily to achieve specified objectives. It indicates merely the willingness of individuals to help each other’s.

Co-ordination is much more inclusive, requiring more than the desire and willingness to co-operate of the participants. It involves the conscious efforts to bring together the activities of various individuals in order to provide unity of action.

Status

Co-operation is the essence of management and it is vital for the success of all managerial functions. Co-operation does not enjoy the status of essence of management. Co-operation is no doubt essential for successful co-ordination but it is more of personal attitude rather than organisational.

Nature of Work

In organisation the nature of work is such that it needs to be divided and then integrated.

Co-ordination of all activities is utmost necessary but co-operation does not arise out of any limitations of organisation structure.

Deliberate

Co-ordination requires deliberate and intentional efforts of a manager. In other words, co-ordination is a contrived process.

On the other hand, co-operation is voluntary. In other words, co-operation is a natural process.

Scope

Co-ordination is broader in scope than co-operation.

It includes both co-operation and deliberate efforts to maintain unity of action & purpose.

The Bottom Line

Co-ordination is the basis of all managerial functions while co-operation is an attitude of an individuals or group. Need for co-ordination arises due to limitations of formal organisation structure but co-operation is necessary even in case of non-interdependent activities.