Identify and explain the three factors that influence boundary coordination.

What will be an ideal response?

Boundary coordination requires synchronizing three elements: boundary linkages, boundary ownership, and boundary permeability. First, boundary linkages refer to intentional or unintentional agreements between the “owners” of the information. Intentional linkages are formed when we specifically tell someone information. We are now linking them to our information and know they have some ownership. Unintentional linkages occur when information is overheard or unintentionally shared. These unintended links are harder to coordinate because we may not even be aware that another person has “ownership” of our information. Second, boundary ownership refers to who has a right to the information and what responsibilities come with owning the information. For example, you might tell a friend at work, “I will tell you what I overheard after the board meeting, but you must swear not to say anything.” Last, boundary permeability refers to how much information is easily passed through the boundary. Some boundaries are easier to cross (permeable); others are very difficult to cross (impermeable).