A committee is a group of individuals appointed or elected to carry out a specific task, oversee a particular area, or support decision-making within an organisation. Committees provide a structured way to bring together people with relevant skills, expertise, or authority to address issues more effectively than a single individual could. They are widely used in businesses, public sector bodies, charities, educational institutions, and professional associations.
Committees can support governance, improve accountability, encourage participation, and help organisations operate more efficiently. Their purpose and scope vary depending on organisational needs, but they typically meet regularly, keep records of decisions, and report to a higher authority such as a board or senior management team.
Common Types of Committees
1. Decision-Making Committees
These committees have the authority to make key decisions on behalf of the organisation. Examples include executive committees or finance committees that approve budgets, policies, or strategic initiatives.
2. Planning Committees
Responsible for organising and coordinating events, activities, or projects. They ensure that resources are allocated appropriately and timelines are met. Examples include events planning teams or project steering committees.
3. Advisory Committees
These committees do not make decisions but offer expert advice, analysis, and recommendations to senior leaders. Advisory groups are often used in technical, ethical, or regulatory areas where specialist knowledge is required.
4. Standing Committees
Permanent committees that oversee ongoing work or recurring issues. Examples include audit committees, health and safety committees, or quality assurance committees. Their long-term existence helps maintain consistency and continuity.
5. Special or Ad Hoc Committees
Formed to address a specific issue, challenge, or short-term project. Once their task is completed—such as investigating an incident or overseeing a temporary initiative—the committee is dissolved.
Advantages of Committees
1. Shared Decision-Making
Committees encourage collective judgement, reducing the risk associated with decisions made by a single individual. This collaborative approach tends to produce more balanced and well-considered outcomes.
2. Diversity of Perspectives
By bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds, expertise, and viewpoints, committees can generate more creative ideas and avoid narrow thinking.
3. Division of Labour
Large or complex tasks can be split among committee members, making workload more manageable and improving efficiency.
4. Enhanced Communication and Coordination
Committees provide a formal platform for different departments or stakeholders to share information, align objectives, and resolve issues.
Potential Disadvantages of Committees
1. Time-Consuming Processes
Meetings, discussions, and consultations can slow down decision-making, especially when consensus is required.
2. Diffused Accountability
When a group is responsible for an outcome, it may be difficult to identify who is accountable for specific errors, delays, or poor decisions.
3. Risk of Groupthink
Committees may prioritise harmony over critical analysis. When members avoid challenging the group, decisions may become less effective or insufficiently scrutinised.
4. Conflicts of Interest
Members may have competing priorities, personal biases, or departmental interests, which can hinder objectivity and lead to tension or disagreement.
5. Potential for Inefficiency
Poor chairing, unclear agendas, and lack of preparation can make committees unproductive and frustrating for participants.
