Committee Form of Organization Structure, Features, Merits & Demerits Presented by: [Your Name] Institution/Class: [Your School/College Name]
Introduction • A committee is a group of people appointed to perform a specific task or function. • Common in business, government, and educational institutions. • Members usually represent different departments or interests.
Meaning and Definition Meaning: A committee is a body of persons entrusted with the responsibility to deliberate and make decisions on certain matters. Definition: “A committee is a group of persons to whom some matter is committed.” — Louis A. Allen
Types of Committees 1. Standing Committee – Permanent in nature (e.g., Audit Committee) 2. Ad-hoc Committee – Temporary; formed for a specific purpose 3. Executive Committee – Takes key decisions and executes plans 4. Advisory Committee – Provides advice and recommendations 5. Joint Committee – Formed from members of different departments or organizations
Features of Committee Form • Group of people with common objectives • Deliberative body — decisions through discussion • Collective decision-making • Shared responsibility and accountability • Coordination among departments
Objectives of Committees • To bring expert opinions together • To ensure participative decision-making • To improve coordination among departments • To handle special or complex problems • To ensure transparency and democracy in decisions
Advantages ✅ Pooling of knowledge and experience ✅ Democratic way of decision-making ✅ Better coordination and communication ✅ Reduces bias in decision-making ✅ Useful for complex and inter-departmental issues
Disadvantages ❌ Time-consuming process ❌ Risk of indecision or “committee paralysis” ❌ Lack of individual accountability ❌ Dominance by a few strong members ❌ High cost of meetings and coordination
Conditions for Effective Committees • Clearly defined objectives • Proper size and composition • Efficient leadership and chairperson • Preparation before meetings • Follow-up on decisions taken
Summary • Committee form promotes group decision-making. • Effective for coordination and participation. • Must be used judiciously to avoid delay and confusion.
Conclusion Committees are an essential part of modern organizations. When properly managed, they ensure inclusive, democratic, and well-informed decisions.
References • Louis A. Allen, Management and Organization • Koontz & O’Donnell, Principles of Management • [Add your textbook or class notes here]
Standing Committee • Permanent committee that exists continuously. • Handles routine or recurring matters. • Examples: Audit Committee, Budget Committee. • Provides stability and consistency in decisions. • Members are usually senior staff.
Ad-hoc Committee • Temporary committee formed for a specific purpose. • Dissolves after completing its assigned task. • Examples: Annual Function Committee, Investigation Committee. • Short-term and highly focused on one issue.
Executive Committee • Has authority to make and implement decisions. • Acts on behalf of top management. • Examples: Executive Board, Strategic Planning Committee. • Composed of senior managers or directors.
Advisory Committee • Provides expert advice and recommendations. • No direct decision-making power. • Examples: Academic Advisory Board, Technical Advisory Group. • Helps management make informed decisions.
Joint Committee • Includes members from two or more departments or organizations. • Promotes coordination and cooperation. • Examples: Joint Labor-Management Committee, University-Industry Research Committee. • Encourages teamwork and shared understanding.
Sub-Committee • Smaller group formed within a larger committee. • Focuses on specific aspects of the main committee’s work. • Example: Salary Review Sub-Committee under Budget Committee. • Reports back to the parent committee.