So, "The idea is to empower people, let them take risks and give them more authority over decisions," and yet, "The reorganization also puts Page firmly in charge of Google and its performance in much the same way Steve Jobs runs Apple.". So Page is trying to give people autonomy while also becoming a dictator? Those are two very different philosophies there.
Having people report to one person usually empowers them more than having them report to a committee. It also ensures 'vision control' in a much better way. So yes, and no, they're not at all different or incompatible.
