Committee vs. Commission: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
A Committee is a group formed for a specific task, often within an organization. A Commission is often a formal body appointed to regulate, oversee, or investigate specific matters.
Key Differences
A Committee typically serves within an existing organization, formed to handle particular tasks or issues, whereas a Commission tends to act with more formal, often governmental authority, overseeing or investigating specific sectors or issues.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Committees usually comprise members of the organization, designated to deliberate on specific matters. Commissions, contrastingly, may include experts and individuals not internally related to the forming authority, providing external perspectives.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Committees might be temporary or permanent and are often a subgroup of a larger entity. Commissions are typically established through official means, such as legislation or executive orders, to achieve a specific, often regulatory, purpose.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
In general, Committees facilitate more focused discussions within organizations. In contrast, Commissions may produce regulatory guidelines, conduct investigations, or deliver official reports and recommendations pertaining to broader societal issues.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Origin
Often forms within organizations
Usually established by legal/official acts
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Oct 12, 2023
Duration
Can be temporary or permanent
Typically operates until task completion
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Primary Function
Specific, internal issue management
Broader, often external, oversight
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
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Committee and Commission Definitions
Committee
A subgroup, often formed to address specific issues or topics.
The committee for event planning ensured a smooth and successful fundraiser.
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Oct 12, 2023
Commission
An assembly of individuals empowered to enact specific oversight roles.
The ethics commission maintains and enforces standards of conduct in politics.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Committee
A group of people designated to undertake specific tasks within an organization.
The finance committee is exploring various budget allocation strategies.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Commission
A group, often externally comprised, appointed for detailed examination of matters.
The commission for environmental conservation recommended stringent pollution controls.
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Oct 12, 2023
Committee
A subset of a larger body, tasked with particular duties or functions.
The audit committee reviews the company's financial transactions annually.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
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Commission
The act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a particular task or duty.
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Dec 07, 2022
Committee
An assembly of members working collaboratively towards common objectives.
The diversity committee proposed several initiatives to promote inclusivity.
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Oct 12, 2023
Committee
A convocation with a delegated responsibility, often within a larger entity.
The safety committee implemented new protocols to enhance workplace security.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Commission
The matter or task so authorized
Investigation of fraud was their commission.
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Dec 07, 2022
Committee
A group of people officially delegated to perform a function, such as investigating, considering, reporting, or acting on a matter. See Usage Note at collective noun.
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Commission
A public board or administrative body
The Federal Trade Commission investigates false advertising.
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Committee
A body of one or more persons convened for the accomplishment of some specific purpose, typically with formal protocols.
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Commission
Often Commission A ruling council within the Mafia that adjudicates family disputes and regulates family activities.
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Committee
(archaic) A guardian; someone in charge of another person deemed to be unable to look after themself.
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Committee
One or more persons elected or appointed, to whom any matter or business is referred, either by a legislative body, or by a court, or by any collective body of men acting together.
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Commission
A fee or percentage allowed to a sales representative or an agent for services rendered.
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Committee
One to whom the charge of the person or estate of another, as of a lunatic, is committed by suitable authority; a guardian.
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Commission
An official document issued by a government, conferring on the recipient the rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces.
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Committee
A special group delegated to consider some matter;
A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours
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Commission
To grant authority for (something to be made or done); place an order for
Commission a new symphony for the festival.
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Commission
To authorize or engage (someone to do something)
Commission an architect to design a building.
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Commission
An official charge or authority to do something, often used of military officers.
David received his commission after graduating from West Point.
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Commission
The thing to be done as agent for another.
I have three commissions for the city.
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Dec 07, 2022
Commission
A body or group of people, officially tasked with carrying out a particular function.
The European Commission
The Electoral Commission
The Federal Communications Commission
The company's sexual harassment commission made sure that every employee completed the on-line course.
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Dec 07, 2022
Commission
A fee charged by an agent or broker for carrying out a transaction.
A reseller's commission
The real-estate broker charged a four percent commission for their knowledge on bidding for commercial properties; for their intellectual perspective on making a formal offer and the strategy to obtain a mutually satisfying deal with the seller in favour of the buyer.
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Commission
The act of committing (e.g. a crime or error).
The commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism
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Commission
(transitive) To send or officially charge someone or some group to do something.
James Bond was commissioned with recovering the secret documents.
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Commission
(transitive) To place an order for (often a piece of art).
He commissioned a replica of the Mona Lisa for his living room, but the painter gave up after six months.
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Commission
To put into active service.
The aircraft carrier was commissioned in 1944, during WWII.
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Commission
The act of committing, doing, or performing; the act of perpetrating.
Every commission of sin introduces into the soul a certain degree of hardness.
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Commission
The act of intrusting; a charge; instructions as to how a trust shall be executed.
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Commission
The duty or employment intrusted to any person or persons; a trust; a charge.
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Dec 07, 2022
Commission
A formal written warrant or authority, granting certain powers or privileges and authorizing or commanding the performance of certain duties.
Let him see our commission.
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Dec 07, 2022
Commission
A certificate conferring military or naval rank and authority; as, a colonel's commission.
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Commission
A company of persons joined in the performance of some duty or the execution of some trust; as, the interstate commerce commission.
A commission was at once appointed to examine into the matter.
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Dec 07, 2022
Commission
To give a commission to; to furnish with a commission; to empower or authorize; as, to commission persons to perform certain acts; to commission an officer.
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Commission
To send out with a charge or commission.
A chosen bandHe first commissions to the Latian land.
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Commission
A special group delegated to consider some matter;
A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours
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Commission
A fee for services rendered based on a percentage of an amount received or collected or agreed to be paid (as distinguished from a salary);
He works on commission
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Commission
The state of being in good working order and ready for operation;
Put the ships into commission
The motor was out of commission
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Commission
A formal statement of a command or injunction to do something;
The judge's charge to the jury
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Commission
An official document issued by a government and conferring on the recipient the rank of an officer in the armed forces
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Commission
A special assignment that is given to a person or group;
A confidential mission to London
His charge was deliver a message
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Dec 07, 2022
Commission
An official group tasked with specific regulatory or investigative functions.
The commission uncovered several regulatory violations during the audit.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Commission
A formally constituted body, often overseeing a particular sector or issue.
The human rights commission advocates for fair and equitable treatment.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Commission
An authoritative board designated to establish and enforce regulations.
The securities and exchange commission oversees the functioning of financial markets.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
Who can be a member of a committee?
Typically, members of the parent organization, though external experts may also be included.
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Oct 12, 2023
Can committees be permanent?
Yes, committees can be either temporary (ad hoc) or permanent (standing).
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How is a committee formed?
Committees are usually formed by a larger body or organization to address specific issues or tasks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can a committee make decisions?
Committees can make decisions, but their authority to implement decisions depends on the organization’s rules.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
What defines a commission?
A commission is an official group, often government-appointed, tasked to oversee, investigate, or manage specific matters.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Can a commission enact laws?
Typically, commissions cannot enact laws but may enforce them or propose legal changes.
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Are there size limits to committees and commissions?
There are no universal size limits, but practicality and specific mandates often dictate group size.
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Oct 12, 2023
How is a commission different from a committee?
Commissions often have broader, formal authority and might include members not part of the appointing body.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Who typically forms a commission?
Commissions are often formed by governmental bodies, through legislation or executive orders.
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Can commissions be temporary?
Yes, commissions may be dissolved once their specific task is accomplished.
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Oct 12, 2023
Can a person be a member of both a committee and a commission?
Yes, individuals may serve on both if selected and if no conflict of interest exists.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
What is a committee?
A committee is a group assigned to focus on a particular task or issue within an organization.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Do committees and commissions exist outside of government?
Yes, both can exist in non-governmental contexts like corporations, non-profits, and academic institutions.
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Oct 12, 2023
Can members of committees and commissions be paid for their work?
Yes, members might be compensated or serve voluntarily, depending on the establishing rules.
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Oct 12, 2023
Can the functioning of committees and commissions be challenged?
Yes, their functioning might be subject to review or appeal, depending on jurisdiction and context.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Can committees and commissions create subgroups?
Yes, they may create subcommittees or subcommissions to focus on specific aspects of their work.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Do committees and commissions need to publicly disclose their findings?
It depends on their governing rules and relevant laws concerning transparency and disclosure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can an individual form a committee or commission?
Individuals usually don’t form commissions but might form committees, especially within non-governmental contexts.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
How do committees and commissions communicate their findings?
They might produce reports, hold press conferences, or engage in public meetings to communicate outcomes.
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Oct 12, 2023
How are the leaders of committees and commissions selected?
Leadership selection varies: members might elect leaders or appointing authorities may determine them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
