Advisory Board vs. Steering Committee

Attribute	Advisory Board	Steering Committee
Role	Provides advice and guidance	Directs and oversees project or organization
Members	External experts or stakeholders	Internal stakeholders or project leaders
Decision-making	Non-binding recommendations	Make decisions and set direction
Focus	Strategic advice and industry insights	Operational planning and implementation

Introduction

Advisory boards and steering committees are both important bodies within organizations that provide guidance and support for decision-making processes. While they may seem similar in nature, there are key differences between the two that can impact their roles and functions within an organization.

Composition

One of the main differences between advisory boards and steering committees lies in their composition. Advisory boards are typically made up of external experts or stakeholders who provide advice and recommendations to the organization. These individuals are chosen for their expertise in a particular field or industry and are not typically involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization. In contrast, steering committees are usually composed of internal stakeholders, such as senior executives or department heads, who are responsible for making strategic decisions and guiding the overall direction of the organization.

Role and Function

Advisory boards play a more consultative role within an organization, providing advice and recommendations to help inform decision-making processes. They may meet periodically to discuss key issues or provide feedback on specific projects or initiatives. In contrast, steering committees have a more hands-on role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization. They are responsible for setting goals and objectives, making key decisions, and overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives.

Decision-Making Authority

Another key difference between advisory boards and steering committees is their decision-making authority. Advisory boards do not have decision-making power within the organization; instead, they provide advice and recommendations that the organization's leadership can choose to act upon. In contrast, steering committees have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the organization. These decisions may include setting strategic priorities, allocating resources, and approving major initiatives.

Accountability

Advisory boards are typically not held accountable for the decisions made by the organization, as their role is purely advisory in nature. They do not have direct responsibility for the outcomes of the organization's actions. In contrast, steering committees are held accountable for the decisions they make and the outcomes of those decisions. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization's strategic goals are met and that resources are allocated effectively.

Relationship with Leadership

Advisory boards often have a more informal relationship with the organization's leadership, providing advice and recommendations as needed. They may not have regular interactions with senior executives or board members. In contrast, steering committees have a more formal relationship with the organization's leadership, as they are responsible for making key decisions and setting strategic priorities. They may meet regularly with senior executives to discuss progress and provide updates on strategic initiatives.

Conclusion

While advisory boards and steering committees both play important roles in guiding organizational decision-making, they have distinct differences in terms of composition, role and function, decision-making authority, accountability, and relationship with leadership. Understanding these differences can help organizations determine the most appropriate structure for their needs and ensure that both bodies are able to effectively support the organization's strategic goals and objectives.