Decentralization of Public Governance System: Content, Advantages and Disadvantages

Abstract

The article analyzes the variety of definitions, types and sorts, used to characterize the decentralization,
advantages and disadvantages of decentralization. Conceptions and classifications of types and
sorts of decentralization by different authors are compared; similarities and differences of conceptions
and classifications are identified. Advantages and disadvantages of decentralization are discussed
based on the classic scheme for division of public governance competencies into three groups, i. e.,
allocation of public goods, redistribution of income and macroeconomic stabilization. A generalized
list of advantages and disadvantages of decentralization is presented.