Committee organization and its types

Committee organization

A committee is a group of persons formally appointed by an organization to discuss, advise or decide on specific matters collectively. It is not a stand-alone structure but is used along with line and staff structure to share expertise and improve decisions. Members meet, discuss and act as a group. Example: the audit committee of a bank's board, or a procurement committee for a hydropower project.

Types of committees

1. Line (executive) committee: Has authority to decide and execute (board of directors).
2. Staff (advisory) committee: Only gives advice or recommendations.
3. Standing (permanent) committee: Continuing; for example, the finance or HR committee.
4. Ad hoc (temporary) committee: Formed for a particular task and dissolved after, such as a selection committee.
5. Formal and informal committees: Formal committees are officially created; informal ones form without formal authority.
6. Functional committee: Works in one function such as purchasing or safety.
7. Plural executive: A group, rather than an individual, holds top authority.

Advantages

1. Brings together diverse knowledge and views.
2. Better quality decisions.
3. Improves coordination and communication.
4. Motivates members through participation.
5. Avoids concentration of power.
6. Useful for complex problems.

Disadvantages

1. Slow decisions and delay.
2. Costly in time and money.
3. Compromise decisions and "groupthink".
4. Responsibility is divided; no one is accountable.
5. Dominance of a few members.
6. May lead to indecision.

Committees work best when the objective, authority and size (usually 5 to 9) are clear.