Concept:
Coordination is the process of synchronizing the activities of different departments, individuals, and groups in an organisation to achieve common objectives efficiently and effectively.
It is considered the essence of management because it binds together all managerial functions such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling.
Step 1: Analyzing Statement A.
Statement A says that coordination is a group effort.
This statement is correct because coordination becomes necessary only when multiple individuals or departments work together in an organisation.
Different departments may have different objectives.
Coordination integrates their activities toward common goals.
Hence, coordination is definitely a group effort.
Step 2: Analyzing Statement B.
Statement B says that coordination is an intentional process.
This statement is also correct because managers deliberately attempt to harmonize activities among employees and departments.
Coordination does not happen automatically; it requires conscious managerial effort.
Hence, statement B is correct.
Step 3: Analyzing Statement C.
Statement C states that coordination is a deliberate function.
This statement is again correct because managers intentionally coordinate activities at every stage of management.
Coordination helps in:
Reducing conflicts
Avoiding duplication of work
Ensuring unity of action
Thus, coordination is deliberate in nature.
Step 4: Analyzing Statement D.
Statement D says that coordination is a reactive function.
This statement is incorrect.
Coordination is actually a proactive function rather than a reactive one because managers anticipate problems and align activities in advance to avoid confusion and conflict.
It aims at preventing problems before they occur.
Hence, statement D is incorrect.
Step 5: Selecting the correct answer.
Since statement D is incorrect, the correct option is:
\[
\boxed{\text{(D) Co-ordination is a reactive function}}
\]
