The dispersion of a population or industry away from a central point. A common form is counterurbanization (in developed countries, the movement of industries and people away from cities). Examples in the UK include the move of the Department of Social Security to Newcastle and DVLA to Swansea.(Alternate spelling: decentralisation).
The spread of power away from the center to local branches or governments; SYN. decentralisation.

Of a business or organization, reorganizing into smaller units, often on separate sites. For many businesses, decentralization involves decisionmaking by individuals or groups throughout an organization rather than at the center. Decisionmaking is therefore “devolved” throughout the business.