Main Difference – Coordination vs Cooperation
Coordination and cooperation are two words that look similar and are often misused by people. However, these two words should not be used interchangeably as they do not mean the same. The main difference between coordination and cooperation is that the word coordination refers to the organization of different elements (people, objects, groups etc.) so as to enable them to work together effectively while corporation is working together to achieve a common goal. This article will discuss the difference between Coordination and cooperation in detail.
Coordination- Meaning and Usage
Coordination is derived from the Latin word, coordination, meaning ‘placing in the same rank’. Coordination refers to,
1. The organization of the different elements of a complex activity so as to enable them to work together effectively:
“Mr.Smith is responsible for the direction and coordination of all manufacturing activities.”
2. Cooperative effort as a consequence of a successful relationship:
“This program is introduced by the government in coordination with Care (pvt)Ltd.”
3. The ability to move different parts of the body together efficiently.
“She lacked the hand to eye coordination.”
4. In Chemistry, coordination is the linking of atoms by coordinate bonds.
Coordination is one of the main components, a factor for success in many sports.
Cooperation – Meaning and Usage
Cooperation is derived from the Latin term “cooperari”. It refers to,
1. Working together to achieve a common goal
“They worked in close cooperation with the Sports Council.”
“This school’s success is a result of the close cooperation between the school board and parents.”
2. Willingness to be helpful and do what you are told.
“Your cooperation is much appreciated.”
“We would like to ask for your cooperation in this survey.”
3. In Economics, cooperation refers to the formation and operation of cooperatives.
Difference Between Coordination and Cooperation
Let us take a simple example, to understand the difference between coordination and cooperation better. Imagine that a group of people are attempting to move a heavy object. They are working together to achieve a common goal. So we can say that there is cooperation in their attempt. But in order to move to the object, cooperation is not merely enough. One of them must coordinate the others in the group, in order to make their attempt successful. The coordinator must give proper directions to the group members to apply the right amount of force, at the right time and at the right place. This is the difference between coordination and Cooperation. The differences between these two words can be summarized as,
Definition
Coordination: Coordination is the process of organizing people or groups so that they work together properly and well.
Cooperation: Cooperation is the action of working together to achieve the same goal.
Voluntary Effort
Cooperation: Cooperation arises automatically from the voluntary efforts of people.
Coordination: Coordination is not a voluntary reaction.
Alternative meanings in Academics
Cooperation: Cooperation refers to the formation and operation of cooperatives in Economics.
Coordination: Coordination is the linking of atoms by coordinate bonds in Chemistry.
