Glossary

Short definition: Decentralisation is the transfer of authority, responsibility, and/or resources for public functions from the central government to subordinate governments or quasi-independent government organizations. Long definition: Decentralisation is a public sector reform that involves the transfer of authority and responsibility for planning, management, service provision, resource-raising, resource allocation and/or other aspects of one or more public sector functions from a central (or higher-level) government and its agencies to (a) field units of central government ministries or agencies, (b) subordinate units or levels of government, and/or (c) semi-autonomous public authorities, public corporations, or nongovernmental organizations.

According to Rondinelli, the three main institutional forms or types of decentralisation are deconcentration, delegation, and devolution. These different types represent more decentralised approaches to the organization of the public sector. Here is an explanation of each type: Deconcentration is a type of decentralisation reform that involves] the transfer of authority and responsibility for public functions from central government officials in the capital to subnational (field) units of the central government (i.e., central government officials that are located outside the capital). Although deconcentration causes government services to be provided by (deconcentrated) subnational administrative units, these subnational administrative units—including their oƯicers and staff—continue to be part and parcel of the central government’s administrative apparatus. As a result, under deconcentration, although (some) operational decision-making responsibility may be transferred to central government oƯicials located outside the capital (at regional, local or facility level), ultimately all political, administrative, and fiscal decision-making authority remains within the central government.

According to Rondinelli, the three main institutional forms or types of decentralisation are deconcentration, delegation, and devolution. These different types represent more decentralised approaches to the organization of the public sector. Here is an explanation of each type: Delegation is a type of decentralisation reform that involves] the transfer of authority and responsibility for public functions (along with associated resources) from the central government to semi-autonomous public authorities, public corporations, or communitybased organizations. Clarifying notes: Delegation involves a process of shifting responsibilities for the provision of certain public services or other public sector functions from the central government (or a higher-level government) to entities that are not wholly controlled by the central government, but that are ultimately fully accountable to it.

According to Rondinelli, the three main institutional forms or types of decentralisation are deconcentration, delegation, and devolution. These different types represent more decentralised approaches to the organization of the public sector. Here is an explanation of each type: Devolution (Transfer) is the most extensive form of decentralisation. It involves the transfer of significant powers and responsibilities to local governments or organizations that are independent and have their own legal status. Devolution grants local units a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to make decisions and manage resources without interference or approval from the central government. This form of decentralisation is characterized by the broad authority of local governments.

In addition to considering different types of decentralisation based on the institutional nature of the recipient of decentralised responsibility, authority, or resources, decentralisation can further be divided into three main dimensions based on the nature of power or authority that is transferred: political decentralisation, fiscal decentralisation, and administrative decentralisation. Sometimes sectoral decentralisation is recognized as a separate dimension of decentralisation. 1. political decentralisation, 2. fiscal or fiscal-budgetary decentralisation 3. administrative decentralisation Sectoral decentralisation is recognized as a separate dimension or direction of decentralisation.