Coordination, in the simplest of terms, refers to the synchronization of various activities or efforts towards a common goal. It is the backbone of any successful organization or team, as it ensures that everyone is working towards the same objective. Without proper coordination, a team can quickly descend into chaos, with everyone working at cross-purposes.

For example, consider a sports team. Each player has their own role to play, and they must work together to achieve the team’s overall goal of winning the game. If the players do not coordinate their efforts, they may end up competing against each other instead of working together, which can lead to defeat.

Similarly, in a business setting, different departments must work together to achieve the company’s goals. Without proper coordination, they may end up working at cross-purposes, leading to inefficiencies and delays.

In this article, we will explore the power of coordination and how it works. We will also discuss why it matters and how it can be improved to achieve better results.

What is Coordination?

Definition and Explanation

Coordination is the process of synchronizing various actions and efforts towards a common goal. It involves bringing together different entities, resources, and activities to work in harmony towards a shared objective. Coordination is critical for the successful execution of complex tasks and projects, as it ensures that all the components are working together efficiently and effectively.

Coordination can take various forms, ranging from formal hierarchical structures to informal networks of collaboration. In hierarchical structures, coordination typically involves the exchange of information and instructions between different levels of management, with each level responsible for executing specific tasks and reporting back to higher levels. In informal networks, coordination may involve the sharing of resources and expertise among peers or the formation of ad hoc teams to tackle specific challenges.

Effective coordination requires clear communication, trust, and a shared understanding of the goals and objectives. It also requires the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to manage conflicts and disagreements that may arise. In the following sections, we will explore the various elements of coordination and how they contribute to its overall effectiveness.

Importance in Daily Life

Coordination is the ability to synchronize various actions and activities in order to achieve a common goal. It is an essential aspect of daily life, affecting almost every aspect of our existence. Here are some examples of how coordination plays a crucial role in our daily lives:

• Communication: Communication is the foundation of any relationship, and coordination is essential for effective communication. It involves the synchronization of verbal and non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions, to convey a message. Good coordination ensures that the message is conveyed accurately and efficiently.
• Teamwork: Teamwork is an essential aspect of modern-day work environments. Coordination is necessary for the effective functioning of a team. It involves the synchronization of individual efforts towards a common goal. Effective coordination enables teams to work together efficiently, achieve their objectives, and solve problems collaboratively.
• Transportation: Transportation is a crucial aspect of daily life, and coordination is essential for the smooth functioning of transportation systems. It involves the synchronization of various activities, such as traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and public transport schedules, to ensure that people can move around efficiently and safely.
• Healthcare: Coordination is critical in healthcare, where it involves the synchronization of various medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to provide effective patient care. Good coordination ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient outcomes.
• Personal life: Coordination is also important in our personal lives. It involves the synchronization of various activities, such as meal times, sleep schedules, and household chores, to ensure that we function efficiently and effectively. Good coordination helps us to manage our time and resources better, reducing stress and improving our overall well-being.

Overall, coordination is an essential aspect of daily life, affecting almost every aspect of our existence. It enables us to communicate effectively, work together efficiently, transport ourselves safely, receive appropriate healthcare, and manage our personal lives better. Good coordination is crucial for achieving our goals and improving our quality of life.

Types of Coordination

Spatial Coordination

Spatial coordination refers to the ability of individuals or systems to work together effectively in a physical environment. This type of coordination is essential for achieving common goals in situations where team members are in close proximity to one another, such as during a military operation or a sports competition.

Effective spatial coordination requires the ability to communicate and understand the location and movement of team members, as well as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including verbal communication, hand signals, and technological tools such as GPS and radar.

Spatial coordination is critical for achieving success in a wide range of fields, from military operations to emergency response to sports. For example, in a military context, effective spatial coordination can mean the difference between success and failure in a mission, while in a sports setting, it can lead to improved teamwork and increased success on the field.

Overall, spatial coordination is a crucial aspect of effective teamwork and can have a significant impact on the success of any operation or activity that involves physical proximity between team members.

Temporal Coordination

Temporal coordination refers to the synchronization of actions and events in time. It involves coordinating actions and events so that they occur at the right time and in the right sequence. This type of coordination is essential for achieving desired outcomes and ensuring the smooth functioning of systems and processes.

There are several factors that influence temporal coordination, including:

• Time delays: Time delays can affect the timing of actions and events, and can result in coordination problems if not properly managed.
• Feedback loops: Feedback loops can help to regulate the timing of actions and events, by providing information about the state of the system and allowing for adjustments to be made.
• Information flows: Information flows play a critical role in temporal coordination, by providing the necessary information for actions and events to be coordinated in time.

Effective temporal coordination requires careful planning and management, and can have significant benefits for organizations and individuals. For example, it can help to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity.

Overall, temporal coordination is a crucial aspect of coordination, and plays a critical role in achieving desired outcomes and ensuring the smooth functioning of systems and processes.

Sequential Coordination

Sequential coordination refers to the process of coordinating tasks or activities in a specific order, ensuring that each task is completed before moving on to the next one. This type of coordination is essential in situations where tasks are interdependent and must be completed in a specific sequence to achieve the desired outcome.

There are several factors that contribute to the effectiveness of sequential coordination, including:

• Clear communication: Effective sequential coordination requires clear and concise communication among team members about the order of tasks and their interdependencies.
• Detailed planning: A comprehensive plan that outlines the steps involved in each task and their order is essential for successful sequential coordination.
• Strong leadership: A leader who can guide the team through the coordination process and ensure that everyone is on the same page is critical for success.
• Flexibility: Sequential coordination requires the ability to adapt to changes in the plan as needed, while still maintaining the overall sequence of tasks.

Effective sequential coordination can lead to several benefits, including:

• Increased efficiency: By coordinating tasks in a specific order, teams can avoid duplication of effort and streamline their workflow.
• Improved quality: Sequential coordination ensures that each task is completed before moving on to the next one, reducing the risk of errors and increasing the overall quality of the final product.
• Enhanced teamwork: Effective sequential coordination requires strong collaboration and communication among team members, leading to enhanced teamwork and a sense of shared ownership.

In conclusion, sequential coordination is a critical aspect of teamwork and project management, ensuring that tasks are completed in the right order to achieve the desired outcome. By understanding the factors that contribute to its effectiveness and the benefits it provides, teams can enhance their coordination efforts and achieve greater success.

Logical Coordination

Logical coordination refers to the synchronization of various components within a system to ensure that they work together effectively. It involves the integration of different parts of a system to achieve a common goal. This type of coordination is crucial in complex systems where multiple components interact with each other.

Logical coordination can be achieved through various means, including:

• Standardization: Ensuring that all components within a system use a common language and protocols, which enables them to communicate effectively.
• Hierarchical organization: Organizing components into a hierarchy, where each level is responsible for a specific set of tasks, and each level communicates with the level above it.
• Feedback loops: Creating feedback loops that allow components to monitor and adjust their behavior based on the performance of other components.

Logical coordination is essential for ensuring that a system functions efficiently and effectively. Without logical coordination, components may work at cross-purposes, leading to inefficiencies and errors. Additionally, logical coordination helps to ensure that the system can adapt to changing conditions and continue to function effectively over time.

Benefits of Coordination

Improved Efficiency

Effective coordination can lead to improved efficiency in various aspects of a business. Here are some of the ways in which coordination can lead to improved efficiency:

Streamlined Communication

One of the key benefits of coordination is streamlined communication. When different departments or teams work together and share information effectively, it reduces the need for duplicate efforts and minimizes the potential for misunderstandings. This, in turn, leads to more efficient communication and decision-making processes.

Better Resource Allocation

Coordination can also lead to better resource allocation. When different teams or departments work together, they can identify opportunities for collaboration and avoid duplicating efforts. This can lead to more efficient use of resources, such as time, money, and personnel.

Reduced Errors and Mistakes

Coordination can also help to reduce errors and mistakes. When different teams or departments work together, they can identify potential problems and work to resolve them before they become major issues. This can lead to a reduction in errors and mistakes, which can save time and money.

Improved Quality

Finally, coordination can lead to improved quality. When different teams or departments work together, they can identify areas where improvements can be made and work together to implement changes. This can lead to improved quality in products or services, which can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Overall, improved efficiency is one of the key benefits of coordination. By working together and sharing information effectively, businesses can reduce errors and mistakes, improve resource allocation, and increase quality, leading to improved efficiency and success.

Enhanced Creativity

When individuals and teams work together in a coordinated manner, they are able to tap into their collective knowledge and resources, leading to enhanced creativity. Here are some ways in which coordination can lead to enhanced creativity:

• Diverse Perspectives: Coordination brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity can lead to a wealth of ideas and approaches that can be combined in new and innovative ways, leading to more creative solutions.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: When teams work together in a coordinated manner, they are able to tackle complex problems in a more effective way. By pooling their knowledge and skills, they can approach problems from different angles and find solutions that they may not have been able to find individually.
• Shared Resources: Coordination allows teams to share resources, such as equipment, materials, and expertise. This sharing can lead to more efficient use of resources and can also lead to new and innovative uses of these resources, leading to more creative solutions.
• Increased Efficiency: When teams work together in a coordinated manner, they are able to achieve more in less time. This increased efficiency can free up time and resources for more creative pursuits, leading to enhanced creativity.

Overall, coordination can lead to enhanced creativity by bringing together diverse perspectives, fostering collaborative problem solving, sharing resources, and increasing efficiency. By working together in a coordinated manner, teams can tap into their collective knowledge and resources, leading to more innovative and creative solutions.

Increased Productivity

• Efficiency through Shared Goals: When teams or individuals work in a coordinated manner, they are able to align their efforts towards a common goal. This shared focus allows for increased efficiency as everyone works towards the same objective, minimizing duplication of effort and ensuring that resources are utilized effectively.
• Specialization and Division of Labor: Coordination enables individuals to specialize in specific tasks, allowing them to develop expertise in their respective areas. This division of labor leads to increased productivity as each team member can focus on their area of specialization, thereby maximizing their contribution to the overall project or task.
• Reduced Errors and Improved Quality: Coordination promotes communication and information sharing among team members, leading to better decision-making and reduced errors. When everyone is aware of the project’s progress and has access to the same information, it becomes easier to identify potential issues and make necessary adjustments. This results in improved product quality and a higher level of customer satisfaction.
• Innovation and Creativity: Coordinated efforts can foster an environment of innovation and creativity. When team members collaborate and share ideas, they are more likely to generate unique solutions and approaches to problems. This can lead to breakthroughs and competitive advantages for organizations.
• Time Management and Meeting Deadlines: Effective coordination helps ensure that tasks are completed within the designated timeframe. By having a clear understanding of roles, responsibilities, and deadlines, team members can prioritize their work and manage their time effectively. This leads to better time management and an increased likelihood of meeting project deadlines.

Better Decision Making

Effective coordination among team members can lead to better decision making. When team members work together, they can pool their knowledge and skills to develop more comprehensive and informed solutions. By sharing ideas and perspectives, team members can reduce the risk of overlooking important information or making incorrect assumptions.

Furthermore, coordination can help teams identify and mitigate potential risks associated with their decisions. By considering a broader range of factors and perspectives, teams can make more informed decisions that take into account potential unintended consequences.

Additionally, effective coordination can also improve the speed and efficiency of decision making. When team members work together and share information, they can reduce the time required to make decisions and implement solutions. This can be particularly important in fast-paced and rapidly changing environments, where decisions must be made quickly and effectively.

Overall, better decision making is one of the key benefits of effective coordination. By working together and sharing information, teams can develop more comprehensive and informed solutions, reduce the risk of overlooking important information or making incorrect assumptions, and improve the speed and efficiency of decision making.

Challenges in Coordination

Communication Barriers

Effective coordination requires the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently. However, communication barriers can significantly hinder the process of coordination. These barriers can be caused by various factors, including language differences, cultural differences, and physical distance.

Language differences can pose a significant challenge to coordination. When people speak different languages, they may struggle to understand each other’s messages, leading to misunderstandings and errors. Cultural differences can also create communication barriers, as people from different cultures may have different norms, values, and expectations.

Physical distance can also create communication barriers. When team members are located in different parts of the world, it can be difficult to communicate effectively. Time zones, language barriers, and technological limitations can all make it harder for team members to communicate with each other.

To overcome communication barriers, organizations can implement strategies such as using a common language, providing translation services, and using technology to facilitate communication. However, it is important to recognize that communication barriers can have a significant impact on coordination, and that overcoming these barriers requires a concerted effort.

Conflicting Priorities

When it comes to coordination, one of the biggest challenges that individuals and organizations face is conflicting priorities. This occurs when different stakeholders have different goals and objectives that are not necessarily aligned with one another. For example, a marketing team may be focused on increasing sales, while the finance team is focused on reducing costs. In this situation, it can be difficult to coordinate efforts and achieve a common goal.

There are several factors that can contribute to conflicting priorities, including:

• Different stakeholders: Different stakeholders may have different perspectives and priorities, which can make it difficult to coordinate efforts. For example, a product manager may be focused on delivering a high-quality product, while a customer service representative may be focused on ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Limited resources: Limited resources can also contribute to conflicting priorities. For example, if there is only enough budget to fund one project, different departments may have to compete for those resources, which can create conflict.
• Lack of communication: Poor communication can also contribute to conflicting priorities. If different stakeholders are not communicating effectively, they may be working towards different goals without even realizing it.

In order to overcome conflicting priorities, it is important to establish clear goals and objectives that are aligned across different stakeholders. This can involve creating a shared vision or mission statement that outlines the organization’s goals and values. It can also involve establishing a system for prioritizing initiatives and allocating resources in a way that is fair and transparent.

Additionally, effective communication is critical to overcoming conflicting priorities. This includes not only sharing information, but also actively listening to the perspectives and concerns of different stakeholders. By building trust and fostering open dialogue, it is possible to find common ground and work towards a shared goal.

Ultimately, overcoming conflicting priorities requires a commitment to collaboration and cooperation. By working together and leveraging the strengths of different stakeholders, it is possible to achieve greater success and make progress towards shared goals.

Ineffective Leadership

Leadership plays a crucial role in achieving effective coordination within an organization. However, ineffective leadership can significantly hinder the process of coordination. The following are some ways in which ineffective leadership can negatively impact coordination:

• Lack of vision and direction: A leader who lacks a clear vision and direction for the organization may struggle to communicate the goals and objectives to the team members. This can result in a lack of focus and direction, making it difficult for team members to coordinate their efforts effectively.
• Poor communication skills: A leader who struggles with communication may find it difficult to convey their message effectively to the team members. This can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and a lack of coordination among team members.
• Insufficient support and resources: A leader who fails to provide sufficient support and resources to the team members may demotivate them and make it difficult for them to coordinate their efforts effectively. This can result in a lack of morale and motivation, which can negatively impact the overall coordination within the organization.
• Lack of accountability: A leader who fails to hold team members accountable for their actions may create a culture of complacency and lack of responsibility. This can result in a lack of coordination, as team members may not feel responsible for their actions or the outcomes of their work.

In conclusion, ineffective leadership can significantly hinder the process of coordination within an organization. A leader who lacks vision, communication skills, support, and accountability may struggle to create a culture of effective coordination. It is essential for leaders to understand the importance of coordination and work to develop the necessary skills and behaviors to support effective coordination within their teams.

Cultural Differences

Coordination in a team can be affected by cultural differences among team members. These differences can be in terms of communication styles, expectations, and values. When working in a diverse team, it is important to understand and appreciate the cultural differences that each team member brings to the table.

Communication styles can vary greatly among individuals from different cultures. For example, some cultures prefer direct and explicit communication, while others may rely more on nonverbal cues and implicit messages. Understanding these differences can help team members adapt their communication style to ensure that their message is effectively conveyed.

Expectations can also differ across cultures. For instance, some cultures prioritize individual achievement, while others prioritize collective success. When working in a diverse team, it is important to establish clear goals and expectations that take into account the cultural backgrounds of all team members.

Values can also play a role in cultural differences. Different cultures may place different emphasis on certain values, such as respect for authority or egalitarianism. Recognizing these differences can help team members navigate potential conflicts and find common ground.

Overall, cultural differences can present challenges to coordination in a team. However, by understanding and appreciating these differences, team members can work together more effectively and achieve greater success.

Strategies for Effective Coordination

Clear Communication

Clear communication is a critical component of effective coordination. When team members can clearly articulate their goals, roles, and expectations, it helps to reduce misunderstandings and miscommunications that can impede progress.

To ensure clear communication, it is important to:

• Use simple and concise language: Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be confusing to others. Instead, use plain language that is easy to understand.
• Provide context: Make sure to provide enough context for others to understand the situation and the decision-making process. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
• Encourage open dialogue: Encourage team members to ask questions and provide feedback. This can help to surface any misunderstandings or concerns early on and prevent them from becoming bigger issues later.
• Establish clear lines of communication: Establish clear channels of communication and ensure that everyone knows who to contact for what type of information. This can help to prevent information overload and ensure that everyone has access to the information they need to do their jobs.

By implementing these strategies, teams can improve their communication and enhance their ability to coordinate their efforts effectively.

Goal Alignment

Effective coordination is critical for achieving success in any team or organization. One of the key strategies for achieving effective coordination is goal alignment. This involves ensuring that all team members are working towards the same goals and have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.

Here are some ways in which goal alignment can help to improve coordination:

• Clear Communication: When everyone is working towards the same goals, it is easier to communicate effectively. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands what is expected of them.
• Improved Efficiency: When team members are aligned around common goals, they can work more efficiently. This is because everyone is focused on the same objectives, and there is less confusion or wasted effort.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Goal alignment can also enhance collaboration within the team. When everyone is working towards the same objectives, it is easier to share ideas and work together to achieve success.
• Reduced Conflict: When everyone is aligned around common goals, it is easier to avoid conflicts that can arise when different team members have different priorities or objectives.

To achieve goal alignment, it is important to establish clear goals and objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives and has a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Additionally, it is important to regularly review progress towards these goals and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that everyone remains aligned and on track.

In summary, goal alignment is a critical strategy for achieving effective coordination within a team or organization. By ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals and has a clear understanding of what is expected of them, teams can improve communication, efficiency, collaboration, and reduce conflicts.

Shared Decision Making

Shared decision making is a strategy that involves collaboration and communication between different stakeholders in order to make informed decisions. This approach can be particularly effective in situations where there are multiple perspectives and interests at play, as it allows for the integration of diverse viewpoints and expertise.

Some key benefits of shared decision making include:

• Improved decision quality: By involving a range of stakeholders in the decision-making process, shared decision making can help to ensure that all relevant factors are taken into account, leading to more informed and high-quality decisions.
• Increased buy-in and commitment: When stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process, they are more likely to feel invested in the outcome and committed to following through on the decision.
• Enhanced transparency and trust: Shared decision making can help to build trust and enhance transparency by ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the decision-making process and the factors that were taken into account.

However, it is important to note that shared decision making can also present some challenges, such as the need to manage conflicting priorities and the potential for decision paralysis if there are too many stakeholders involved. Effective facilitation and communication skills are often necessary to ensure that the process runs smoothly and that all stakeholders are able to contribute effectively.

Adaptability

Adaptability is a critical component of effective coordination. In a rapidly changing environment, it is essential to be able to adjust plans and strategies on the fly to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal. Adaptability requires flexibility, open-mindedness, and the ability to think creatively.

Here are some key ways that adaptability can improve coordination:

• Responding to Changes in the Environment: In any project or endeavor, it is important to be able to respond to changes in the environment. This could include changes in customer needs, shifts in market trends, or unexpected setbacks. Adaptability allows teams to pivot and adjust their plans to meet these changes.
• Encouraging Creative Problem-Solving: When teams are adaptable, they are more likely to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems. This can lead to better outcomes and more efficient processes.
• Fostering Collaboration: Adaptability can help to foster collaboration within a team. When everyone is open to new ideas and willing to adjust their plans, it creates a more collaborative environment. This can lead to better communication and more effective problem-solving.
• Improving Resilience: Finally, adaptability can help teams to be more resilient in the face of challenges. When teams are able to adjust their plans and strategies, they are better equipped to handle setbacks and overcome obstacles.

Overall, adaptability is a crucial component of effective coordination. By being flexible and open-minded, teams can respond to changes in the environment, encourage creative problem-solving, foster collaboration, and improve their resilience.

Recap of Key Points

Effective coordination is critical for achieving success in various domains, including business, sports, and healthcare. Poor coordination can lead to decreased efficiency, increased errors, and diminished performance. In contrast, effective coordination can enhance teamwork, streamline processes, and improve outcomes.

Some key points to consider when it comes to effective coordination include:

• Communication: Effective communication is essential for successful coordination. This includes clear and concise messaging, active listening, and timely feedback.
• Planning: Good planning is critical for effective coordination. This includes developing clear goals and objectives, establishing timelines and milestones, and identifying potential risks and challenges.
• Decision-making: Effective coordination requires clear decision-making processes. This includes establishing clear roles and responsibilities, considering multiple perspectives, and making timely decisions.
• Adaptability: Successful coordination requires the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This includes being flexible, open to new ideas, and willing to adjust plans as needed.
• Technology: Technology can play a critical role in facilitating effective coordination. This includes the use of communication tools, project management software, and other technologies that can help teams work together more effectively.

Overall, effective coordination is essential for achieving success in any field. By following these key strategies, teams can improve their coordination, enhance their performance, and achieve their goals.

Final Thoughts on the Power of Coordination

• In conclusion, the power of coordination cannot be overstated. Effective coordination is crucial for achieving success in various aspects of life, including business, sports, and even personal relationships.
• When teams or individuals work together seamlessly, it leads to increased productivity, better decision-making, and improved overall performance. Coordination helps in avoiding conflicts and misunderstandings, ensuring that everyone is working towards a common goal.
• Furthermore, coordination enables organizations to adapt to changes quickly and effectively. By aligning their efforts, teams can respond to challenges and opportunities in a more agile and efficient manner.
• However, it is important to note that effective coordination requires continuous effort and communication. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that needs to be nurtured and cultivated.
• Therefore, individuals and organizations must invest in developing the necessary skills and strategies to achieve effective coordination. This includes building trust, establishing clear lines of communication, and fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork.
• Ultimately, the power of coordination lies in its ability to bring people together and enable them to achieve their goals collectively. It is a vital ingredient for success in any field or endeavor, and those who master it are well-positioned to achieve great things.

FAQs

1. What is coordination?

Coordination is the process of working together with others to achieve a common goal. It involves synchronizing efforts, sharing information, and managing resources in a way that maximizes efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Why is coordination important?

Coordination is important because it helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal and that resources are being used effectively. Without coordination, it can be difficult to achieve a common objective and to manage resources in a way that is efficient and effective.

3. Can you give an example of coordination?

One example of coordination is a sports team working together to win a game. Each player has a specific role to play, and they must work together to achieve the common goal of winning the game. Coordination involves communication, cooperation, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

4. How does coordination help to achieve a common goal?

Coordination helps to achieve a common goal by ensuring that everyone is working together towards a shared objective. It allows for the efficient use of resources and helps to minimize conflicts and misunderstandings. Coordination also enables teams to adapt to changing circumstances and to make adjustments as needed to achieve their goals.

5. What are some challenges associated with coordination?

Some challenges associated with coordination include communication barriers, conflicting priorities, and lack of trust among team members. These challenges can make it difficult to achieve a common goal and can lead to inefficiencies and misunderstandings.

6. How can coordination be improved?

Coordination can be improved through effective communication, clear leadership, and a shared understanding of goals and objectives. It is also important to establish processes for decision-making and to encourage open and honest communication among team members. Additionally, regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help to identify and address any challenges that may arise.

Coordination | Definition of coordination