Board vs. Committee

Attribute	Board	Committee
Members	Comprised of directors	Comprised of members
Decision-making power	Has ultimate decision-making power	Makes recommendations to the board
Responsibilities	Oversees overall strategy and direction	Focuses on specific tasks or projects
Meetings	Meets regularly	Meets as needed
Size	Typically smaller	Can vary in size

Composition

Boards and committees are both groups of individuals who come together to make decisions and provide oversight. However, the composition of these groups differs significantly. Boards are typically made up of a smaller number of high-level executives or stakeholders who have a vested interest in the organization. Committees, on the other hand, can be made up of a larger and more diverse group of individuals, including employees, volunteers, and external stakeholders.

Boards often have a more formal structure, with specific roles such as chairperson, treasurer, and secretary. Committees may have a more fluid structure, with members taking on different roles depending on the task at hand. This difference in composition can impact the decision-making process and the overall effectiveness of the group.

Decision-Making Authority

One of the key differences between boards and committees is their decision-making authority. Boards typically have the ultimate decision-making authority within an organization. They are responsible for setting the overall direction and strategy of the organization, as well as overseeing the performance of the executive team.

Committees, on the other hand, are usually tasked with making recommendations to the board or management team. While committees may have some decision-making authority within their specific area of focus, their recommendations must ultimately be approved by the board or management team. This difference in decision-making authority can impact the level of influence and responsibility that members of each group have.

Scope of Work

Boards and committees also differ in terms of the scope of work that they are responsible for. Boards typically focus on high-level strategic issues, such as setting the organization's mission and vision, approving budgets, and overseeing major initiatives. Committees, on the other hand, are often focused on more specific areas of the organization, such as finance, marketing, or governance.

While boards may have a broader scope of work, committees can play a crucial role in providing expertise and guidance in their specific area of focus. This division of labor allows boards to focus on strategic decision-making while committees handle the day-to-day operations and implementation of initiatives.

Accountability

Both boards and committees are accountable for their actions and decisions, but the level of accountability may differ between the two groups. Boards are ultimately accountable to the organization's stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and the community at large. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization is operating in the best interests of these stakeholders.

Committees, on the other hand, may be more accountable to the board or management team. While committees have a responsibility to provide accurate information and recommendations, the ultimate accountability for decisions made based on these recommendations lies with the board or management team. This difference in accountability can impact the level of scrutiny and oversight that each group receives.

Meeting Frequency

Another key difference between boards and committees is the frequency of their meetings. Boards typically meet on a regular basis, often quarterly or monthly, to discuss strategic issues, review financial reports, and make key decisions. These meetings are essential for ensuring that the organization is on track to meet its goals and objectives.

Committees, on the other hand, may meet less frequently than boards. Depending on the committee's specific area of focus, meetings may be held on an ad-hoc basis or as needed to address specific issues or projects. While committees may not meet as frequently as boards, their meetings are still important for providing guidance and expertise in their area of focus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, boards and committees play important roles within organizations, but they differ in terms of composition, decision-making authority, scope of work, accountability, and meeting frequency. Boards are typically made up of high-level executives who have ultimate decision-making authority and focus on strategic issues, while committees are more diverse groups that provide recommendations and expertise in specific areas. Understanding the differences between boards and committees can help organizations effectively leverage the strengths of each group to achieve their goals and objectives.