This text discusses the instrumental use of the concept of decentralization. As a rule, this term has been used pragmatically as a synonym for de-concentration, and lately as a warrant of school autonomy. These controversies are discussed on the basis of documents from multilateral organizations and the literature in these areas. This is an attempt to design a brief panel where questions could originate and illuminate the possible relationships between the international directives -- invariably produced within organizations headquartered in developed countries -- and the policies implemented by the peripheral countries and, less obvious, to assess the implementation of such policies.
Public policy; Policy evaluation; Management; Autonomy; Decentralization; Literature review