Centralized authority is defined as:

Centralized authority refers to a governance structure where decision-making power is concentrated at the top levels of an organization, typically held by a single individual or a small group of individuals. This means that in a centralized authority system, one person is responsible for making key decisions and directs the activities of the organization, leaving less room for lower levels of the hierarchy to influence those decisions.

The rationale behind centralized authority often includes greater consistency in decision-making, faster execution of decisions, and a clear chain of command, which can be particularly advantageous in emergency situations like firefighting. The overseeing individual possesses the authority to make strategic choices that align with the organization's goals.

In contrast, other forms of decision-making processes, such as those involving committees or shared decision-making, suggest a more distributed approach where multiple voices and perspectives are considered. This can lead to more democratic processes but may also result in slower decision-making due to the need for consensus. In the context of centralized authority, the focus is on a single point of command which enhances clarity and speed in executing decisions.