Coordination Scale represents a larger level of group organization than collaboration scaleCollaboration Scale. It involves larger groups or multiple groups working together towards a shared goal, requiring more sophisticated coordination mechanisms and communication strategies.
While the exact upper limit of group size is flexible, Coordination Scale groups typically range from 10 to 50 individuals, although this can vary depending on the complexity of the task and the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms.
Coordination scale is too large to afford the nuanced sense-making, creativity and conflict management that collaboration scale Collaboration Scale groups are capable of, but are still small enough to be effective at delivering well scoped and planned activities. Beyond its limits (roughly 150 members - see Dunbar’s number), coordination becomes too costly and difficult and should be either broken into smaller coordination efforts or transitioned to a Constituency Scale approach.
Key Characteristics
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- Shared Goal: A clearly defined, shared goal unites the various teams and provides a focus for coordination.
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- Formal Structure: A more formal structure and sets of processes are typically required to reduce complexity in coordination scale groups, where larger numbers of people are required to work as a collective.
- Multiple Teams: Coordination Scale groups often consist of multiple teams working together. This allows for nuanced (complex) decision-making to be pushed to smaller groups.
- Delegation: Tasks and responsibilities are delegated to different teams or individuals.
- Communication Channels: Multiple communication channels are used to facilitate information sharing and coordination.
- Interdependence: Teams are interdependent, requiring effective communication and coordination to achieve the shared goal.
Challenges at the Coordination Scale
- Communication Complexity: Conflict, disagreement and ambiguity is difficult to process and manage in coordination scale groups.
- Coordination Overhead: Coordinating the activities of multiple teams requires significant overhead.
- Conflicting Priorities: Different teams may have conflicting priorities, requiring careful negotiation and compromise.
- Resource Allocation: Allocating resources effectively across multiple teams can be challenging.
- Maintaining Alignment: Ensuring that all teams remain aligned with the shared goal is crucial.
Tools and Practices for Coordination Scale
- Project Management Software: Tools for managing tasks, tracking progress, and coordinating activities across multiple teams.
- Communication Platforms: Platforms for facilitating communication and collaboration among teams.
- Governance Structures: Formal governance structures are often necessary to guide decision-making and ensure accountability.
- Workflow Management Systems: Systems for managing workflows and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently.
- Reporting Mechanisms: Mechanisms for reporting progress and identifying potential problems.
Coordination Scale Patterns
Coordination Scale Primitives
Successful Coordination Scale Outcomes
A successful Coordination Scale group exhibits:
- Effective communication and collaboration among teams.
- Efficient allocation and utilization of resources.
- Clear processes for decision-making and conflict resolution.
- Alignment with the shared goal and priorities.
- Successful achievement of the shared goal.
The Coordination Scale represents a significant step up in organizational complexity. Understanding its characteristics and challenges is crucial for building effective and sustainable large-scale groups.