Committee

A committee is a group of people appointed for a specific function or task, usually with the goal of making decisions or recommendations. Committees exist in various contexts, such as corporate, governmental, academic, and nonprofit organizations.
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Definition

General Definition:

A committee is a group of individuals appointed or elected to perform a specific function or task within an organization. Committees are created to engage in discussion, make decisions, and provide recommendations on particular subjects or areas of interest.

Government Definition:

In a governmental context, a committee is a group appointed to investigate specific matters or areas of interest. These committees report their findings, provide recommendations, and can influence legislative processes and policies.

Examples

  1. Corporate Committee:
    • Audit Committee: A sub-group of the board of directors responsible for oversight of financial reporting and disclosure.
  2. Governmental Committee:
    • Senate Judiciary Committee: A committee in the U.S. Senate that oversees the Department of Justice, considers executive nominations, and reviews pending legislation.
  3. Academic Committee:
    • Curriculum Committee: A group within a university or school in charge of evaluating and recommending changes to the curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a committee within an organization?

A committee’s role can vary, but typically it is to focus on specific areas, engage in in-depth discussions, make informed decisions, and provide recommendations to the larger organization or governing body.

How are committee members selected?

Members can be appointed, elected, or volunteer based on the organization’s bylaws, policies, or specific needs. They may be selected based on expertise, interest, or representation.

What are the different types of committees?

Common types include standing committees (permanent), ad hoc committees (temporary), joint committees (members from different groups), and subcommittees (smaller groups within a committee).

What powers do government committees have?

Government committees can have varying powers, including subpoena power, the ability to conduct investigations, draft legislation, and hold hearings to gather information and provide oversight.

How is a committee different from a board?

A board generally has a broader scope of authority and governance compared to a committee, which is often task-specific and reports back to a board or larger governing body.

  • Subcommittee: A smaller group derived from the main committee to focus on specific aspects of the committee’s work.
  • Ad Hoc Committee: A temporary committee formed for a specific task or objective and dissolved after the completion.
  • Standing Committee: A permanent committee that meets regularly and has ongoing responsibilities.
  • Executive Committee: A powerful sub-group of the main committee or board that makes decisions on behalf of the larger group.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  • “The Committee: A Study of Policy, Power, Politics and Practice” by Eveline Herfkens, Robert E. Hunter
  • “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief” by Henry M. Robert III, Daniel H. Honemann, and Thomas J. Balch
  • “The Concise Guide to Meeting and Group Procedures” by N. D. Carter and Stuart Michael Speisman
  • “Governance as Leadership: Reframing the Work of Nonprofit Boards” by Richard P. Chait, William P. Ryan, and Barbara E. Taylor

Fundamentals of Committee: Governance Basics Quiz

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Committee on Accounting for Smaller Entities (CASE)
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