Decentralization or
decentralisation is the process of redistributing or dispersing functions, powers, people or things away from a central location or authority. While centralization, especially in the governmental sphere, is widely studied and practiced, there is no common definition or understanding of decentralization. The meaning of decentralization may vary in part because of the different ways it is applied. Concepts of decentralization have been applied to
group dynamics and
management science in private businesses and organizations,
political science,
law and
public administration,
economics and
technology.