Task coordination can be defined as synchronized duties performed harmoniously across the spread of an organization. Task coordination is an integral component of task management in any organization that is targeted to provide effective problem solving solutions through aligning current activities of employees with planned ones with purpose to harmonize and unify all employees’ efforts into a single stream for attaining common goals (none cited, 2004). Examples include all reps at a call center conforming to a set method of assisting customers or employees at the social security office maneuvering citizens through the process of recovering lost cards. What is needed to make task coordination successful?
Effective communication is paramount to task coordination. Effective communication is a two-way process – sending the right message, which is also being correctly received and understood by the other person (s) (none cited 2008). Clear and concise directions are necessary to carry out a set of directions across the span of major organizations. It needs to clearly spell out expectations as well as how to achieve success in the given task. The internet, intranet, & extranet can be used to communicate important updates or changes via emails, memos, instant messages, or video conferences.
Information systems also assist in the coordination of tasks. Information systems are any combination of information technology and people’s activities using that technology to support operations, management (none cited, 2011). Using information systems not only increases efficiency, but it also assists in cost savings ( in terms of private sector). With the use of information systems, tasks can be executed expeditiously. Changes that may have taken a few days via mail can now be delivered in seconds. Another bonus of information systems is that it allows the administrator to follow-up on issued tasks quickly.
There are many more ways to dissect task coordination, but these two stuck out in terms of the level of their importance. Administrators should seek to perfect techniques that enable them to facilitate task coordination in an expeditious manner in order to become successful.
References:
none cited, (2004). Task coordinator: aligning tasks with plans. Retrieved from http://www.vip-qualitysoft.com/articles/task-coordinator-aligning-tasks-with-plans/
none cited, (2008). Effective communication. Retrieved from http://www.effective-communication.net/
none cited, (2011). Information system. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_system
Rod, I agree entirely that communication is key to coordination. To me, it not just about top-down communication. It is about communication among the players, as in jazz improvision. It can be bottom-up, although some kind of combination of top down and bottom up is probably ideal, at least in some kinds of organizations/activities. And, of course, the element of timing is critically important.
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