Definition and Function of a Committee: Detailed Explanation

Committee: Definition and Function

A committee is a group of individuals appointed or elected to study, deliberate, or act on a specific matter on behalf of a larger organization. Committees are often formed within governments, corporations, or community organizations to focus on particular areas requiring detailed attention or specialized knowledge.

Main Purpose

Committees exist to:

Examine or investigate specific subjects.
Take necessary actions based on the group’s goals.
Prepare and submit reports on their findings or decisions.

Types of Committees

Common types include:

Standing committees – permanent groups handling ongoing responsibilities.
Ad hoc committees – temporary bodies created for a particular task.
Joint committees – composed of members from two or more larger groups working collaboratively.

Etymology

The word “committee” originates from the Medieval Latin term committere, meaning “to entrust” or “to bring together,” reflecting the idea of delegating responsibility to a select group.

"A committee is a body of persons delegated to consider, investigate, take action on, or report on some matter."

Author’s summary: A committee is a designated group entrusted to discuss, evaluate, and act on specific issues for a broader organization or authority.

Merriam-Webster — 2025-11-25

Committee: Definition and Function

Main Purpose

Types of Committees

Etymology

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