Step 1: Understanding management.
Management is a process of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling organizational resources to achieve goals effectively and efficiently. However, its core essence lies in unifying these functions.
Step 2: Role of co-ordination.
Co-ordination ensures harmony among planning, organization, staffing, and execution. Without co-ordination, the different functions of management cannot work together effectively. It integrates efforts across all departments and individuals.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
- (A) Planning: Important, but not the essence of management.
- (B) Organisation: Necessary, but only one part of management.
- (C) Staffing: A key function but not the central essence.
- (D) Co-ordination: The essence of management because it binds all other functions together.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) Co-ordination, as it is the essence of management.