Decentralization is favoured for access, citizen participation and political responsiveness. The basic idea of decentralization is, therefore, sharing the decisionmaking authority with lower levels in organisations, thereby improving their efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness. Agenda 2063 is the blueprint and master plan for transforming africa into the global powerhouse of the future. The term centralized indicates that authority to make important decisions lies towards the head or centre of an organization, while conversely decentralization implies more autonomy, whereby. It adopted rohit khares definition of decentralization. Section 4 presents the definitions of decentralized governance and.
Henkel, 2002 pope pius xis encyclical letter, quadregasimo anno, of 1931 provides a definition of subsidiarity which is even now widely cited. Elected local governments, it was hoped, would give citizens more voice in public affairs, and so drain the reservoir of discontent that feeds insurgency usaid 2009. The term describes a wide variety of power transfer arrangements and accountability systems. This can take the form of transferring powers to lower levels of an organization, which is called deconcentration or administrative decentralization. It seeks to remove the frustrating waste of money on duplicate systems, extra work, and manual processes.
Decentra lisation is the transfer of authority and responsibility for public functions from the central government to intermediate and local. Decentralisation has been implemented and is being implemented in many developing countries without much success. While procurement as a specific domain is in focus of the paper, still the results might be interesting al so for researchers and practitioners working in other domains where the central. Decentralisation is usually referred to as the transfer of powers from central government to lower levels in a politicaladministrative and territorial hierarchy crook and manor 1998, agrawal and ribot 1999. The government will begin implementing the regional autonomy and fiscal decentralization policy in january. Decentralization can be defined as the transfer of responsibility for planning, management and resource raising and allocation from the central government and. Decentralization definition of decentralization by. It reveals how certain types of decentralization reforms may decrease the power of subnational officials. Nov 22, 2020 in the organization theory literature on centralization and decentralization that the pendulous movement between the two is driven, as much as anything else, by an inherent internal dynamic. Chapter two focuses on the definition of decentralization and local government as well as identifying different types of local government, it also seeks to isolate. From among these questions we would highlight the definition of the concept of decentralisation, the difficulties involved in implementing it, and the advantages. For definitions of devolutiondelegationdeconcentration, see box 31.
Nevertheless, there is clearly overlap in defining any of these terms and the precise definitions are not as important as the need for a comprehensive approach. Pdf approches and types of decentralization dilip hajra. Pdf approches and types of decentralization nitish yadav. Another aspect of administrative decentralization implies the degree of economic autonomy of sng revenues. The latter definition of fiscal decentralisation addresses directly the issue of its measurement. Decentralizationthe transfer of authority and responsibility for public functions from the central government to subordinate or quasiindependent government organizations andor the private sectoris a complex multifaceted concept. Definitions the following definitions can be noted in. A global perspective as scores of countries have introduced plans to devolve powers and resources from central to subnational governments in recent decades, the causes and consequences of political decentralization have caught the interest of political economists. Decentralization can be defined as the transfer of authority and. The main aim of the paper is to examine the major components of decentralisation as laid down in zambias decentralisation policy in order. Abstract in its most general term, decentralization refers to the transfer of authority from a central government to a subnational entity.
The conference was held in yerevan, armenia, from 26 to 28 april 1999. Decentralization definitions and descriptions of decentralization used in the papers include. Monetary fund, which is that decentralization, devolution, as a later illustrated sub form of. Thus, the essence of decentralization is the vesting of decisionmaking power in the field offices. In fact, decentralization is all extension of delegation.
Decentralization in health care world health organization. Political decentralisation aims to give citizens or their elected representatives more power in public decisionmaking. Decentralization or decentralisation is the process by which the activities of an organization, particularly those regarding planning and decision making, are distributed or delegated away from a central, authoritative location or group. It says that the creation of decentralized units with a set of operational autonomy is governed by political factor. Notes to the concept of decentralization pdf paperity. Centralisation or centralization see spelling differences is the process by which the activities of an organisation, particularly those regarding planning and decisionmaking, framing strategy and policies become concentrated within a particular geographical location group. If decentralization is viewed as an incremental process of institutional capacitybuilding, many of the experiments of the past. Its goal is to introduce more participatory forms of governance by giving citizens, or their representatives, more influence in the formulation and implementation of health policies and plans. The result is a wide variety of partial and imprecise definitions of the term. Modern decentralisation tends to use subsidiarity as the organising principle of decentralisation. Decentralization refers to the assignment of authority along with the responsibility at each level of the organization. The reform topic decentralisation has many different facets. To overcome this confusion, this article builds on standard definitions of decentralization that include three core dimensions. This means a redistribution of authority, responsibility and financial resources among different.
Decentralisation can be viewed as an extension of delegation. The robbins concept of decentralization can also be applied to the administrative style of governance when decisionmaking comes from the central government. This will then lay the foundation for analysing zambias decentralisation policy. Concept paper decentralisation processes at a crossroads. Chapter 3 how to understand decentralisation in africa jica. The papers draw extensively on the experiences of the. Ans introduction decentralization is a concept which can be defined as transfer or dispersal of decision making powers, accompanied by delegation of authority to individuals or units at all levels of an organization, even if any are located far away from the power centre. Decentralization or decentralisation is the process by which the activities of an organization. The analysis suggests that there have been several shifts of focus over the meanings, definitions and motives for decentralisation dyer and rose, 2005. Its deliberations were focused on decentralization as an ongoing process and the requirements needed to make it a success. Decentralization is the systematic effort to delegate to the lower levels of all authorities except that which can be exercised at central points.
For robbins 2000, decentralization is an administrative and organizational phenomenon that refers to the extent of decisionmaking focus within the institution. Decentralization in health care strategies and outcomes decentralization has become a popular management strategy in many european health care systems. Decentralization is simply a matter of dividing up the managerial work, and assigning specific duties to various executive skills. The wave of decentralization has hit malawi in recent years. In support of decentralisation, laski gives the following reasons. It is the strategic framework for delivering on africas goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the panafrican drive for unity, selfdetermination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under panafricanism and african. Delegation of authority is a complete process and takes place from one person to another. Political, administrative, fiscal and market decentralization can also appear in different forms and combinations across countries, within countries and even within sectors. This concept, expressed asthe transfer of authority from the center to subordinate ends, is importantboth for more effective and productive management of the areas outside thecenter organization in public administration and for strengthening these areasin terms of democracy. The usage of the term decentralization by different scientific disciplines, such as political science decentralization of government systems, sociology decentralization of structures, political economy financial decentralization, business administration decentralization of firms, and administrative science decentralization of administrative structures, makes a universal and semantically valid concept impossible. The variety of existing definitions and concepts of decentralization within the literature clearly indicates that different perspectives and incentive systems have been applied to a frequently used term. The papers draw extensively on the experiences of the world bank and other international agencies. Concept paper on decentralisation decentralisation and local self.
Decentralization is defined as the transfer of decisionmaking authority closer to the consumer or beneficiary. Decentralization is a public management strategy, but devolution is a political decision with managerial consequences. The concept of decentralization refers to decentralized, directed fromcenter to periphery, organized around and such. The first line of argument in favour of decentralisation is that, if the power of policy and aims of the government is confined to a handful elite, the common people will turn their mind away from the government. In the last four decades, decentralisation has become a key focus of. Pdf approches and types of decentralization nitish. Decentralisation of authority may be defined as a situation in which ultimate authority to command and ultimate responsibility for results is localised as far down in the organisation as efficient management of the organisation, permits. Decentralization is transferring the power from the federal to regional level or delivering management functions to other authorities. The new definition implies thatapart from the scope of functions and the level of resources that is provided to the local government levelthe central government level and the intergovernmental systems guiding centrallocal relations play an important role in the success of decentralization. Decentralization is a complex phenomenon involving many geographic entities, societal actors and social sectors. Decentralization has become a popular management strategy in many european health care systems. Definition in order to properly acknowledge the problem it would be important to give a proper definition of decentralization and centralization.
Administrative decentralization, political decentralization, unitary state. Decentralization and education definition, measurement. Decentralisation refers to tire systematic effort to delegate to the lowest levels all authority except that which can only be exercised at central points. Decentralization reduces the burden of the chief executives with making. We nd that easytoimplement decentralized policies are e cient and e ective in this setting, suggesting that centralization and thus, coordination e ort intended to lead to some of the bene t of centralization does not bring signi cant bene ts. We need to be aware of this side of the coin when looking at local government systems. Distribution of the power of decision making along with the related responsibilities among the different managerial levels is necessary for better management.
A first ambiguity is that decentralization can have either a static or dynamic interpretation. When a part of the work is entrusted to others, it is known as delegation. Decentralization definition of decentralization by oxford. Difference between centralization and decentralization. Therefore, decentralization depends on the situation and is not an absolute term. Olum 2014 defines decentralization as the process through which the central government transfers its powers, function, responsibility and. But beyond this general definition, the process of decentralization is a complex undertaking, taking on different meanings in different contexts and according to the desires and plans of those in charge of its design and implementation.
Decentralization pattern is wider is scope and the authorities are diffused to the lowest most level of management. Decentralisation of authority definitions provided by mcfarland, allen, strong and earl p decentralisation implies the dispersal of decisionmaking power at lower levels of management. It can signify the state of being decentralized or the process of becoming so. Centralization is the opposite of decentralization. Decentralization has long been advocated by the political and economic elite in the west as a means of wrenching power from the more populous eastern provinces. Meaning, advantages and disadvantages of decentralisation.
In addition, the definition suggests that successful. Decentralisation means the division of a group of functions and activities into relatively autonomous units with overall authority and responsibility for their operation delegate to timd of cacti unit. Decentralisation extends to the lowest level of the organisation. Significance of decentralizationparticipation and control of governance by the people of the country is the essence of democracy. The models of decentralisation most often discussed in the research for example, rado, 2010. The best that prior definitions have been able to offer is what decentralisation is not. Definitions the following definitions can be noted in this regard. Likewise, within the framework of political debate we will deal with. The logic of decentralization is grounded in an intrinsically powerful idea. Decentralization is an at tempt to improve speed and flexibility by reorganizing to increase local control and execution of a service.
If decentralization is viewed as an incremental process of. An analytical framework for assessing decentralized local. All respondents to our study apply and implement highly divergent reforms under this label. This document lists definitions of decentralization, deconcentration, devolution and other related terms used in papers presented at the interlaken workshop on decentralization, 2730 april 2004, interlaken, switzerland. Bernbaum, 2011 are delegation, deconcentration, devolution and decoupling. Because decentralisation has been identified as a key means of achieving. Decentralization is the means to allow for the participation of people and local governments morell. When the power to take decisions and formulate policies does not lie with one person at the top but is passed on to different persons at various levels, it. As this is a work in progress, there may be many parts needing improvementchanges. Laski is the key supporter of decentralisation of powers. These four types show how decentralization takes different form in different political setting and administrative conditions.
Although the ministry of education science and technology had already been going through some form of decentralization, which according to fiske 1996 is a form of administrative decentralization, the current move of local government decentralization has brought a new wind of change. In its most general term, decentralization refers to the transfer of authority from a central government to a subnational entity. Its deliberations were focused on decentralization as an ongoing process and the. Administrative decentralization refers to the redistribution of responsibility, authority and financial resources in an organization, taking on three forms. Although several unique factors inhibit the implementation of decentralisation in. Decentralization is often decided topdown and is a strategy for increasing the headoffices capacity to achieve proposed objectives, but devolution is usually a response to demands for more local or regional autonomy to. The institutions which are assigned authority and functions for local governance are governed by local people. Decentralization or decentralisation is the process by which the activities of an organization, particularly those regarding planning and decision making, are distributed or delegated away from a central, authoritative location or group concepts of decentralization have been applied to group dynamics and management science in private businesses and organizations, political science, law and. The analysis includes definitions of decentralisation as obtained from scholarly papers and prominent organisations from late 1960s to late 1990s. South africas decentralization was an essential component of its. Devolution and decentralization oxford scholarship.
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