What are the Disadvantages Of Decentralization?

There are many disadvantages of decentralization. The following drawbacks or disadvantages are noted as disadvantages of decentralization:

1. Decentralization Creates Conflict 

  In decentralization, the top level management puts more pressure on departmental managers to increase output and revenue. In such a situation, every department lays more emphasis on their own departmental goals instead of corporate goals. This may give rise to inter-departmental conflict and too much fragmentation creates problems in coordination and control.  

2. Decentralization Increases Expenditure
Decentralization needs qualified, competent and skilled managers at the middle and lower levels. They are to be paid remuneration on the basis of their qualification and experience. Besides, there is the possibility of duplication of effort, which unnecessarily may increase cost of production.


3. Decentralization Is Unsuitable For Emergency Situation
In decentralization, lower and middle level managers are assigned authority only for routine decisions. Whenever they face complex and non-programmed problems they cannot take a decision due to limited authority.


4. Decentralization Maximizes Risk
In decentralization, decision making authority is delegated to the subordinate level. If subordinate level managers are unskilled and incapable, they may take wrong decision, which may increase the risks and result in losses.


5. Decentralization Is Unsuitable For Specialized Services
The concept of decentralization is not applicable in some types of services. It is not suitable for specialized nature of services like accounting, human resource, engineering, surgery etc.