Question

'Cortico Fabrics' was started by Ashish in 2001 to sell bed sheets, towels, comforters, pillows, cushions, bath mats etc. It is now a famous name and its branches are across India. To manage the work all over India, it has eight teams-two each for North, South, East and West India. Ashish spends a considerable amount of time to develop an orderly pattern of group efforts among different teams and to secure unity of action in pursuit of a common purpose. To ensure suitable allocation of tasks to the various members of the teams and to see that the tasks are performed with harmony among the members, he tries to balance the different teams at different locations. (a) Identify and explain the concept of management discussed in the above para. (b) Also, explain any one point of importance of the concept identified in (a) above.

Hint:

Coordination questions often feature keywords like "harmony", "unity of action", and "integration". It's called the essence of management.

Answer 1

(a) Concept: Coordination (The fundamental aspect of management)
Explanation:
1. Integration: Harmonizing regional teams (North, South, East, West) and aligning diverse functions (production, sales, logistics). 
2. Key Characteristics: Establishing an "orderly pattern of group efforts" for "unity of action in pursuit of common purpose," understood as a continuous process, not a singular event. 
3. Implementation: Achieved through regular cross-regional meetings, standardized operating procedures, and balanced performance metrics. 
(b) Importance Point: Facilitates Organizational Goal Attainment

• Synergy: The creation of a "1+1=3" effect via combined efforts. For instance, coordinated marketing and production prevent stockouts.
• Conflict Resolution: Avoids regional isolation and resolves disputes over resource allocation.
• Efficiency Improvement: Reduces duplication, leading to estimated cost savings of 15-20 percent, and optimizes supply chain operations.