When it comes to decision-making and exercising power, there are various bodies involved in the process at different levels. At first glance, these groups may seem very similar, but there are several factors that distinguish them. Committee and council are two such groups that are often confused when it comes to executive bodies.
A council can be defined as a group of individuals who come together to make decisions, consult, or deliberate on a common objective. In a city, town, or county level, a council may function as a legislature representing the government, although, at the national level, most legislative bodies are not considered councils. In a town, some schools and universities are run by two councils, which are considered their local government. Members of a council are referred to as councilors, councilmen, or councilwomen. A board of directors may also be considered a council.
On the other hand, a committee is generally a subordinate to a larger deliberative assembly. It is a smaller deliberative assembly that serves various functions. In organizations that are too large for all members to participate, committees play a significant role in governance, where a designated committee such as a Board of Directors or an Executive Committee is given the power to make decisions on behalf of the entire organization. In similar environments, committees also play an essential role in coordinating different parts of the organization, where individuals representing various departments may meet up regularly to discuss proceedings. Additionally, committees are formed to conduct research or come up with recommendations for planned projects or changes.
Key Takeaways
- A council is a group of people who come together to make decisions and deliberate, whereas a committee is a smaller group assembled to discuss specific matters at hand and typically represents larger bodies.
- A committee can be formed within a council, but a council cannot be formed from a committee, making the council a more prominent body with more power.
- Committees serve various functions, including governance, coordination, research, and recommendations, while councils function as legislatures representing the government and can also include boards of directors.
