The Executive Committee
What is an Executive Committee?
The executive committee can be the most important of all committees within a voluntary, community-based organization. An executive committee manages the operations of the board of directors and usually has some decision-making authority. The authority of an executive committee is derived from an organization’s by-laws and these will vary accordingly.
The executive committee is usually comprised of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Board. Membership may also be extended to other sub-committee chairs.
What does an Executive Committee do?
The executive committee usually has the authorization to act and make decisions on behalf of the entire board. They may be called upon to make decisions surrounding issues that arise between regularly scheduled board meetings and they may be responsible for other activities such as conducting an evaluation of the executive director. The executive committee is obligated to present their actions to the entire board if a decision has been made in their absence.
Does every Board of Directors need an Executive Committee?
No, not every non-profit or voluntary, community-based organization needs an executive committee. Executive committees are usually required when an organization has a large number board members. A smaller sub-committee will often be more efficient for issues that do not require the attention of the entire board.
What are some of the benefits of having an Executive Committee?
An executive committee is useful if your board members live in various locations and unexpected board meetings are not feasible.
Because of its size, an executive committee can often move things forward quickly and more efficiently than a larger board.
An executive committee can be helpful should conflicts arise between other board members.
What are some of the risks in establishing an Executive Committee?
An executive committees can alienate the Board of Directors.
There is a risk that an executive committee may become “the real board within the board.” This may lead to the board feeling that they are only operating to “rubber stamp” the decisions of the Executive. The Executive Committee must not replace the decision-making authority of the entire Board of Directors.
Be certain that there is clarity when defining the role of the executive committee.
If the role of the executive committee is not clarified in an organization’s by-laws, or there is no defined role for the committee, it can result in the committees overuse of its role and power. The committee may exploit power by approving decisions that should be approved by the entire board. As well, the committee may become involved in decision-making that should be the authority of the Executive Director. If the majority of an organization’s executive committee’s time is being taken up by unnecessary decision-making that is better left to others, it may be time to rethink the role or feasibility of this committee.
Sources
Bobwick, Maria J., Sandra R. Hughes, and Berit M. Lakey. Transforming Board Structure. BoardSource, 2001. (www.ncnb.org)
Carver, John. Boards That Make a Difference: A New Design for Leadership in Nonprofit and Public Organizations. Jossey-Bass Publishers: California, 1990.
McNamara, Carter. Typical Types of Board Committees. (www.managementhelp.org)
Read more Board Development articles at enVision.ca.
 |
|
|
profile of voluntary sector - managing voluntary organizations | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2003 Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador
|
|