Centralization and Decentralization: Relationship and Difference

Relationship Between Centralization and Decentralization:

Both centralization and decentralization depends upon the situation and many factors associated with it. Decentralization is not an alternative to centralization. Both are 
needed. The complementary roles of national and sub-national actors should be determined by analyzing the most effective ways and means of achieving a desired objective.

a. Dependence of Decentralization on Centralization

—   Philosophy/emphasis on top-down control, leadership vision, strategy

—   Decision making, strong, authoritarian, visionary, charismatic/charming

—   Organizational change shaped by the vision of top leader

—  Execution: decisive, fast, coordinated able to respond quickly to major issues and changes

—  Uniformity: Low risks of dissent and conflicts between parts of organization

—   helps to train both national and local officials

b. Dependence of centralisation on deentralisation:

—  Philosophyemphasis bottom up, political, cultural and learning dynamics

—   decision making: democratic participative and detailed

—   organizational change: emerging from interactions, organizational dynamics

—  Execution: evolutionary, emergent, flexible adaptive to minor issues and changes

—  Participation, accountability, low risks of not invented here behavior

Difference Between Centralization and Decentralization

Centralisation	Decentralisation
1. It is the concentration of powers, authority and resources to the center.	a. It is the dispersion of power, authority and resources to the various level of local bodies.
2. It involves systematic consistent of authority	b. It involves dispersal of authority.
3. The communication flow is vertical.	c. The communication flow is open and free.
4. It is ideal for small-sized countries.	d. It is ideal for large and multi ethnic, multi culture countries.
5. There is less chance of conflict.	e. There is high chance of conflict.
6.The burden of work goes only to the center.	f. The burden of work is shared among many levels.
7.The power of decision lies within the center.	g. The power of decision lies with the multiple levels.
8. It is implemented when there is inadequate control over the country.	h. It is implemented when there is considerable country over the country.

Similarities between Centralisation and Decentralisation:

1. Both are the ways to change the government structure.

2. Both are the ways to transfer decision making power.

3. Both deals with how information is flowing.

4. Both influences the tiers in government.

5. Both influences the span of control of government.