Meaning

A committee is a group of people who represent a larger group or organization and

who make decisions or plans on behalf of that group or organization.

Types of committee
Standing Committee
These committees are created by the standing orders, rules, by-laws or regulations
of an organization. They exist & function more or less on a permanent basis (for
example, a finance committee, education committee, executive committee). The
board usually takes all advice and recommendations from a standing committee
Finance Committee

The main duty of the Finance Committee is to maintain a continuing review of the
financial affairs of the Institute. Using this information, it is the committees duty to
make appropriate recommendations to the Board or the Executive Committee
regarding financial matters.
Education Committee

The Education Committee has overall responsibility for the definition and ongoing
review of the educational philosophy, policy and standards of the collegiate
University in respect of teaching, learning and assessment. Chaired by the Pro-ViceChancellor (Education), the Committee contributes to policy development and
guidance, considers proposed amendments to programmes and examination
regulations, and deals with individual dispensations.

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee has the responsibility for implementing the policies
adopted by the ULC at its meetings, and all the duties and powers prescribed by the
Constitution and Bylaws.

Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee, with at least one liaison in each state and territory, is
responsible for seeking the state enactment of uniform and model acts approved by
the ULC.

Committee can be defined as a group of organisational members who discuss and

develop solutions
to problems. It can be either line or staff and can be established on a standing
(permanent) or an ad
hoc basis. In business enterprises, the board of directors constitutes the committee
at the highest
level. The purpose of such committees is to discuss various problems and
recommend solutions to the
management. It is generally found to co-exist with line and staff type of
organisation. The Board of
Directors of a company is an example of a committee organisation. This form of
organisation is suitable
for taking decisions on policy matters or laying down broad objective for the
enterprise.

Merits or advantages

The committee form of organisation offers following advantages:

(1) It is an excellent medium of discussion and education and of communication

between
management and workers.

(2) It is extremely useful in coordinating plans as well as in facilitating their

execution.

(3) Setting organisational objectives, and developing and finalising plans and
policies require
pooling of information, abilities and expertise, as well as integration of conflicting
interests and view
points. It is not one man's job, and is best performed by committees.

(4) Sometimes problems are so complex or of inter-departmental nature that they

are best solved
by committees composed of concerned executives.

(5) It is able to serve as a mechanism of participative decision making. By

participating in
discussions or decision, a member feels motivated in accepting a situation or
implementing a decision. ,

(6) Committee form of decision making is, of course, a democratic process. It

reduces the tyranny of
executive authority and provides for participative decision-making.

(7) It is extremely useful in coordinating plans as well as in facilitating their

execution.

Demerits or Disadvantages

The disadvantages of the committee organisation are as follows:

(1) It is an expensive device both in terms of time and cost.

(2) Nobody is accountable for committee decisions. A committee decision is

nobody's decision just
because it is everybody's decision.

(3) Often committees result into more conflict than problem solving.

(4) The decisions taken in committee organisation are the result of compromise and
hence they are
generally slow in forthcoming and weak.