Committee vs. Commission: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Comparison
Committee
Commission
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Origin
Often forms within organizations
Usually established by legal/official acts
Membership
Typically internal members
May include external experts
Authority
Primarily advisory
Often regulatory or investigative
Duration
Can be temporary or permanent
Typically operates until task completion
Primary Function
Specific, internal issue management
Broader, often external, oversight
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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.
Commission
An assembly of individuals empowered to enact specific oversight roles.
The ethics commission maintains and enforces standards of conduct in politics.
Committee
A group of people designated to undertake specific tasks within an organization.
The finance committee is exploring various budget allocation strategies.
Commission
A group, often externally comprised, appointed for detailed examination of matters.
The commission for environmental conservation recommended stringent pollution controls.
Committee
A subset of a larger body, tasked with particular duties or functions.
The audit committee reviews the company's financial transactions annually.
Commission
The act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a particular task or duty.
Committee
An assembly of members working collaboratively towards common objectives.
The diversity committee proposed several initiatives to promote inclusivity.
Commission
The authority so granted.
Committee
A convocation with a delegated responsibility, often within a larger entity.
The safety committee implemented new protocols to enhance workplace security.
Commission
The matter or task so authorized
Investigation of fraud was their commission.
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.
Commission
A document conferring such authorization.
Committee
(Archaic) A person to whom a trust or charge is committed.
Commission
A public board or administrative body
The Federal Trade Commission investigates false advertising.
Committee
A body of one or more persons convened for the accomplishment of some specific purpose, typically with formal protocols.
Commission
Often Commission A ruling council within the Mafia that adjudicates family disputes and regulates family activities.
Committee
(archaic) A guardian; someone in charge of another person deemed to be unable to look after themself.
Commission
The act of committing or perpetrating
The commission of a crime.
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.
Commission
A fee or percentage allowed to a sales representative or an agent for services rendered.
Committee
One to whom the charge of the person or estate of another, as of a lunatic, is committed by suitable authority; a guardian.
Commission
An official document issued by a government, conferring on the recipient the rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces.
Committee
A special group delegated to consider some matter;
A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours
Commission
The rank and powers so conferred.
Committee
A self-constituted organization to promote something
Commission
To grant a military commission to.
Commission
To grant authority for (something to be made or done); place an order for
Commission a new symphony for the festival.
Commission
To authorize or engage (someone to do something)
Commission an architect to design a building.
Commission
To put (a ship) into active service.
Commission
A sending or mission (to do or accomplish something).
Commission
An official charge or authority to do something, often used of military officers.
David received his commission after graduating from West Point.
Commission
The thing to be done as agent for another.
I have three commissions for the city.
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.
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.
Commission
The act of committing (e.g. a crime or error).
The commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism
Commission
(transitive) To send or officially charge someone or some group to do something.
James Bond was commissioned with recovering the secret documents.
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.
Commission
To put into active service.
The aircraft carrier was commissioned in 1944, during WWII.
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.
Commission
The act of intrusting; a charge; instructions as to how a trust shall be executed.
Commission
The duty or employment intrusted to any person or persons; a trust; a charge.
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.
Commission
A certificate conferring military or naval rank and authority; as, a colonel's commission.
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.
Commission
The acting under authority of, or on account of, another.
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.
Commission
To send out with a charge or commission.
A chosen bandHe first commissions to the Latian land.
Commission
A special group delegated to consider some matter;
A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours
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
Commission
The act of granting authority to undertake certain functions
Commission
The state of being in good working order and ready for operation;
Put the ships into commission
The motor was out of commission
Commission
A group of representatives or delegates
Commission
A formal statement of a command or injunction to do something;
The judge's charge to the jury
Commission
An official document issued by a government and conferring on the recipient the rank of an officer in the armed forces
Commission
The act of committing a crime
Commission
A special assignment that is given to a person or group;
A confidential mission to London
His charge was deliver a message
Commission
Put into commission; equip for service; of ships
Commission
Place an order for
Commission
Charge with a task
Commission
An official group tasked with specific regulatory or investigative functions.
The commission uncovered several regulatory violations during the audit.
Commission
A formally constituted body, often overseeing a particular sector or issue.
The human rights commission advocates for fair and equitable treatment.
Commission
An authoritative board designated to establish and enforce regulations.
The securities and exchange commission oversees the functioning of financial markets.
FAQs
Who can be a member of a committee?
Typically, members of the parent organization, though external experts may also be included.
Can committees be permanent?
Yes, committees can be either temporary (ad hoc) or permanent (standing).
How is a committee formed?
Committees are usually formed by a larger body or organization to address specific issues or tasks.
Can a committee make decisions?
Committees can make decisions, but their authority to implement decisions depends on the organization’s rules.
What defines a commission?
A commission is an official group, often government-appointed, tasked to oversee, investigate, or manage specific matters.
Can a commission enact laws?
Typically, commissions cannot enact laws but may enforce them or propose legal changes.
Are there size limits to committees and commissions?
There are no universal size limits, but practicality and specific mandates often dictate group size.
How is a commission different from a committee?
Commissions often have broader, formal authority and might include members not part of the appointing body.
Who typically forms a commission?
Commissions are often formed by governmental bodies, through legislation or executive orders.
Can commissions be temporary?
Yes, commissions may be dissolved once their specific task is accomplished.
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.
What is a committee?
A committee is a group assigned to focus on a particular task or issue within an organization.
Do committees and commissions exist outside of government?
Yes, both can exist in non-governmental contexts like corporations, non-profits, and academic institutions.
Can members of committees and commissions be paid for their work?
Yes, members might be compensated or serve voluntarily, depending on the establishing rules.
Can the functioning of committees and commissions be challenged?
Yes, their functioning might be subject to review or appeal, depending on jurisdiction and context.
Can committees and commissions create subgroups?
Yes, they may create subcommittees or subcommissions to focus on specific aspects of their work.
Do committees and commissions need to publicly disclose their findings?
It depends on their governing rules and relevant laws concerning transparency and disclosure.
Can an individual form a committee or commission?
Individuals usually don’t form commissions but might form committees, especially within non-governmental contexts.
How do committees and commissions communicate their findings?
They might produce reports, hold press conferences, or engage in public meetings to communicate outcomes.
How are the leaders of committees and commissions selected?
Leadership selection varies: members might elect leaders or appointing authorities may determine them.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
