Community Processes: Coordination

Abstract

In your mind’s eye picture the pyramids of Egypt or Peru. For they, like the darker side of human activity—think of the thousands involved in Alexander’s military movements— reflect the social process labeled coordination. And while your mind is soaring, picture those magnificent structures that defined the skyline of Manhattan prior to September 11, 2001. In contrast to the macro systems of finance, engineering, and architecture that were integrated to create those structures, think of the coordination among those few who brought them down. Then, even before the toxic dust settled, scores of additional professionals sought to coordinate their activities so as to limit the death, injury, and physical destruction beyond that which had occurred. These considerations establish the context, importance, and relevance of this chapter.