Coordination as a Function of Communication in Society
Definition and Importance
Coordination refers to the process by which individuals and groups work together to achieve shared goals (Guetzkow & Simon, 1955, p. 163). Effective communication is essential for coordination, as it allows individuals to share information, negotiate, and make decisions.
How Communication Facilitates Coordination
- Information Exchange: Communication allows individuals to exchange information about their goals, resources, and constraints. This reduces uncertainty and helps to align efforts. (Wilson, 1996, p. 101)
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Communication provides a platform for individuals to negotiate differences and resolve conflicts. By understanding each other's perspectives, parties can find compromises and solutions. (Putnam & Roloff, 2006, p. 43)
- Decision-Making: Effective communication enables individuals to make informed decisions by sharing knowledge, weighing alternatives, and reaching consensus. (Moscovici & Zavalloni, 1969, p. 11)
Importance of Coordination in Society
Coordination is crucial for the smooth functioning of society in several ways:
- Social Order and Cooperation: Coordination promotes social order by ensuring that individuals work together rather than against each other. (Durkheim, 1964, p. 39)
- Economic Efficiency: Coordination enables businesses and organizations to operate efficiently by reducing duplication of effort and aligning resources. (Thompson, 1967, p. 101)
- Political Stability: Effective communication and coordination are essential for democratic governance, allowing for the representation of diverse interests and the resolution of conflicts. (Almond & Verba, 2005, p. 21)
References
- Almond, G. A., & Verba, S. (2005). The Civic Culture: Political Attitudes and Democracy in Five Nations. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
- Durkheim, É. (1964). The Division of Labor in Society. Glencoe, IL: Free Press.
- Guetzkow, H., & Simon, H. A. (1955). The impact of certain communication nets upon organization and performance in groups. Management Science, 1(3-4), 163-181.
- Moscovici, S., & Zavalloni, M. (1969). The group as a polarizing agent. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 12(2), 125-134.
- Putnam, L., & Roloff, M. (2006). Communication and the construction of negotiation frames. Management Communication Quarterly, 20(1), 36-67.
- Thompson, J. D. (1967). Organizations in Action: Social Science Bases of Administrative Theory. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
- Wilson, W. R. (1996). Collaboration and Communication: A Review of the Literature. Communication Yearbook, 19, 99-152.