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
- Corporate Committee:
- Audit Committee: A sub-group of the board of directors responsible for oversight of financial reporting and disclosure.
- 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.
- 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
### What is the primary purpose of a committee in an organization?
- [x] To make decisions and provide recommendations
- [ ] To execute all tasks independently
- [ ] To replace the board of directors
- [ ] To handle financial audits exclusively
> **Explanation:** Committees are primarily formed to discuss, decide, and recommend actions or policies within their specific focus area.
### How are members typically selected for a committee?
- [ ] Random selection
- [ ] Appointment or election
- [x] Election, appointment, or volunteering based on expertise or interest
- [ ] Automatically included based on seniority
> **Explanation:** Members can be appointed, elected, or volunteer based on expertise, interest, or to represent different groups or stakeholders within the organization.
### Which type of committee is usually dissolved after its task is completed?
- [x] Ad Hoc Committee
- [ ] Standing Committee
- [ ] Executive Committee
- [ ] Academic Committee
> **Explanation:** Ad hoc committees are temporary and are dissolved once their specific task or objective is completed.
### What is the difference between a board and a committee?
- [x] A board has broader governance authority, while a committee is task-specific and reports back to the board.
- [ ] A committee has broader authority than a board.
- [ ] A board is temporary whereas a committee is permanent.
- [ ] A committee's functions are less important than those of a board.
> **Explanation:** A board generally governs an organization with a broader scope, while committees are typically focused on specific tasks or areas and report back to the board.
### What power can government committees have?
- [ ] They can pass laws.
- [x] They can conduct investigations, draft legislation, and provide oversight.
- [ ] They have no real power.
- [ ] They operate independently without reporting.
> **Explanation:** Government committees often have the power to conduct investigations, draft or review legislation, hold hearings, and provide oversight within their scope.
### Which type of committee meets regularly and has ongoing responsibilities?
- [x] Standing Committee
- [ ] Ad Hoc Committee
- [ ] Subcommittee
- [ ] Temporary Committee
> **Explanation:** Standing committees are permanent and meet regularly with ongoing responsibilities.
### In what scenario would a subcommittee be created?
- [x] When a smaller delegated group is needed to focus on specific aspects of the committee's work.
- [ ] To replace the main committee.
- [ ] When a decision cannot be made.
- [ ] When financial audits are required.
> **Explanation:** Subcommittees are smaller groups within the main committee, created to focus on specific aspects of the committee's larger work.
### What is an Executive Committee's relationship to the main board?
- [x] It is a powerful subgroup delegated to make decisions on behalf of the main board.
- [ ] It replaces the main board.
- [ ] It functions independently without reporting to the board.
- [ ] It only meets once a year.
> **Explanation:** The Executive Committee is a powerful subgroup within the board, often delegated with decision-making authority on behalf of the main board.
### Who usually has the authority to create a committee within an organization?
- [x] The organization's leadership, such as the board of directors or executive management.
- [ ] Any employee in the organization.
- [ ] Interns and temporary staff.
- [ ] Only external consultants.
> **Explanation:** Committees are typically formed by the organization's leadership, such as the board of directors or executive management, based on organizational needs.
### Can a committee have a role in policy-making?
- [x] Yes, committees can research, draft, and recommend policies for approval by the larger governing body.
- [ ] No, committees only observe and report.
- [ ] Only when a project involves construction.
- [ ] Only in financial auditing.
> **Explanation:** Committees often research, draft, and provide recommendations for policies that need approval by the larger governing body or board.
Thank you for exploring the concept of committees with us and engaging in our comprehensive quiz section. Committees play a vital role in organizational governance and decision-making!
