Coordination Mechanism Selection
When implementing coordination between modules, when existing coordination feels inadequate or excessive, or when strategic changes require reassessing coordination approaches.
A decision framework for choosing appropriate coordination mechanisms based on interface stability and strategic importance, ranging from minimal coordination to selective integration.
When to Use Coordination Mechanism Selection
When implementing coordination between modules, when existing coordination feels inadequate or excessive, or when strategic changes require reassessing coordination approaches.
How to Apply
Assess Interface Stability
Determine if interfaces are stable and well-specified
Questions to Ask
- Are interface specifications clear and agreed?
- How often do interface requirements change?
Assess Coordination Frequency
Determine how often coordination is needed
Questions to Ask
- Daily? Weekly? Monthly?
- Is coordination routine or ad-hoc?
Assess Strategic Importance
Determine if tight integration creates competitive advantage
Questions to Ask
- Does this interface affect key differentiators?
- Would better coordination create customer value?
Select Mechanism
Match mechanism to characteristics: Stable interfaces → Interface specs, monitoring, exception-based escalation. Frequent but low-importance → Regular syncs, shared systems, liaison roles. Frequent and strategically important → Cross-module councils, shared platforms, integrated teams. Tight integration creates advantage → Dedicated integrated teams, co-location, joint incentives.