Difference Between Delegation of Authority and Decentralization of Authority .
| S.NO. | Basis | Delegation of Authority | Decentralization of Authority |
| 1. | Nature | Delegation of Authority is absolutely essential , as no single person can carry out All the organizational work himself or herself . | Decentralization of Authority is optional and may be implemented within an organization as a policy secision of a Top Level Management . |
| 2. | Freedom of Action | The subordinates are expected to work under close supervision of the superior . As a result , they do not have much freedom to take independent decisions and actions | The Subordinates are granted greater authority , so as to enable them to take independent decisions and actions, which lie within their scope of jurisdiction . |
| 3. | Status | The process of delegation is undertaken with the purpose of sharing the work and authority of a superior with his subordinate ., | Decentralization is a policy decision which can be implemented only with the consent of Top Level Management . |
| 4. | Scope | The scope of delegation is narrow as this involves only two persons, A superior and his immediate subordinate . | Decentralization is much wider in scope, as it involves systematic dispersal authority to lowest level of management . |
| 5. | Purpose | Delegation of Authority seeks to provide relief to the Manager from carrying routine work and reduce the burden . | Decentralization seeks to enhance the role of the subordinates by granting them greater authority . |
