Problem: Executive committee usurps authority
7.03.2023
This can be intentional or unintentional. With an executive committee of the board, usually there is a lack of clarity regarding which issues will be decided by the committee and which should be brought to the entire board. For example, if a bid for routine building maintenance is quite expensive, should the executive committee approve it or bring it to the entire board for a vote? To resolve this, the board should write up clear guidelines or a board policy describing which decisions are made by the executive committee and which are made by the full board. Some organizations retain the executive committee but ask them to meet only during emergencies when the full board is unable to gather. This can be useful for national organizations that can appoint local board members to serve in this capacity.
