Difference Between Coordination And Cooperation

Introduction

Coordination refers to the managerial activity of arranging, integrating and managing the elements to ensure proper functioning that helps to obtain organizational goals effectively. On the other hand, cooperation refers to the collective effort of individuals working together to achieve the common goal. Generally, coordination is performed by the top management but cooperation is performed at any level.

Difference Between Coordination And Cooperation

Major differences between coordination and cooperation are as follows:

1. Meaning

Coordination: It refers to the arrangement of organizational elements and integrating group efforts to achieve certain goals and objectives.

Cooperation: It is desire and willingness of people to work together to achieve goals and objectives.

2. Voluntary

Coordination: It is intentional action and essential in management process.

Cooperation: It is natural and voluntary process.

3. Scope

Coordination: Its scope is broader than cooperation because cooperation is included in coordination activities.

Cooperation: Its scope is narrower than coordination as it is a part of coordination.

4. Time Horizon

Coordination: It is a long term activity of any organization and management. 

Cooperation: It is a short term willingness of an individual.

5. Relationship

Coordination: It is achieved through formal relationship.

Cooperation: It arises through informal relationship.

6. Activity

Coordination: It is performed at top level only.

Cooperation: It can be performed at any level of management.

7. Dependency

Coordination: Effective coordination requires cooperation to achieve desired goals effectively

Cooperation: Cooperation can be exist without coordination

Coordination Vs Cooperation (Comparison Table)

Basis	Coordination	Cooperation
Meaning	Arrangement of organizational elements to achieve goals	Voluntary effort of individuals to work together to achieve goals
Performed By	Top management	Each level of management
What Is It ?	Intentional action	Natural process
Scope	Wider than cooperation	Narrower than coordination
Interdependence	Dependent on cooperation	Not dependent on coordination
Time Horizon	Long-term	Short-term

                                 

Key Differences Between Coordination And Cooperation In Short

* Coordination is a process of organizing, integrating and managing organizational elements to ensure smooth functioning of organizational activities. On the other side, cooperation means willingness of people wo work together to achieve common goal.

* Coordination is performed by top level of management, but cooperation is performed at all levels.

* Scope of coordination is broader than cooperation

* Coordination establishes formal relationship among the members but cooperation establishes informal relationship

* Coordination is essential but cooperation is voluntary