If decentralization leads to poor coordination between units, which outcome is most likely?

• A. Improved efficiency
• B. Increased confusion
• C. Higher accountability
• D. Streamlined processes

Answer: (B)

When authority is spread across many units, keeping everyone aligned becomes essential. If there aren’t strong coordination mechanisms, each unit may set its own priorities, timelines, and procedures. That local autonomy without a clear cross-unit standard leads to miscommunications, conflicting actions, and information gaps that people experience as confusion. Staff and clients alike may encounter inconsistent rules or processes as they move between units, making coordination seem chaotic and unpredictable.

This is why increased confusion is the most likely outcome. Improved efficiency or streamlined processes would rely on alignment and standardization, which poor coordination undermines. Higher accountability can occur in decentralized setups, but the immediate, direct consequence of poor coordination is confusion across the organization.