Commission vs. Committee: Difference and Comparison
By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Published on May 9, 2024
A commission is a group of individuals officially charged with a particular function, often governmental, while a committee is a smaller group formed to deliberate on specific matters within a larger organization.
Difference Between Commission and Committee
A commission is typically appointed by a higher authority and given specific duties, usually related to policy, regulation, or investigation. Commissions often have regulatory powers or executive functions and are found in government or public sector contexts. On the other hand, a committee is a subgroup of a larger organization, such as a legislature, a company, or any organized group, tasked with focusing on particular subjects or ongoing functions.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Commissions are usually formed by statutory authority and can be permanent or temporary. They are often tasked with producing reports, enacting regulations, or overseeing specific governmental functions. Whereas committees are generally internal to organizations, formed to deliberate issues, advise, or make recommendations to the larger group and usually do not have regulatory powers.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
The role of a commission often includes a wider scope of responsibility, impacting broad public policies or regulations. In contrast, a committee's work is typically more focused on specific tasks or issues within the organization, such as reviewing financial matters, planning events, or developing policies.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
For example, a commission might investigate violations of law or oversee professional standards, and its findings could directly influence legislation or public policy. A committee, however, might handle tasks like organizing a company's annual meeting or developing a new employee handbook.
Kaitlyn
May 09, 2024
In terms of authority, commissions usually operate with more independence and have greater powers to enact changes or enforce rules. Committees, while they can have significant influence, generally work within the confines of their parent organization and report to a higher body like a board of directors or the entire membership.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Commission vs. Committee Comparison Chart
Definition
A body charged with a specific function, often regulatory or governmental.
A subgroup within a larger organization, focused on specific tasks.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Authority
Typically has significant authority, possibly including regulatory or executive powers.
Usually has advisory or operational roles without independent regulatory powers.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Scope
Broad, often with impacts on public policy or regulation.
Narrower, focused on specific organizational issues or tasks.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Formation
Usually created by statute or executive order.
Typically formed by the organization's leadership or membership.
Henry
May 09, 2024
Examples
Federal Communications Commission, Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
School board curriculum committee, corporate audit committee.
Elijah
May 09, 2024
Commission vs. Committee Definitions
◉Commission
The act of committing a task or authority to someone.
She received the commission to paint a mural for the city hall.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Committee
A subgroup formed to tackle particular tasks.
The fundraising committee is organizing the annual gala.
Kaitlyn
Apr 29, 2024
◉Commission
Fee paid to an agent in a commercial transaction.
He earns a 20% commission on every sale.
Jonathan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Committee
Members of an organization designated to investigate, report, or act on a matter.
The audit committee reviews the company's financial statements annually.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Commission
The act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a particular task or duty.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Committee
A legislative subgroup focused on specific areas like finance or health.
The Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings on legal appointments.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Committee
A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically within a larger organization.
The committee for employee welfare proposed new health benefits.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Commission
The matter or task so authorized
Investigation of fraud was their commission.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Committee
A temporary organization to manage events or projects.
The committee for the town festival meets every spring.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
A public board or administrative body
The Federal Trade Commission investigates false advertising.
Lucas
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
Often Commission A ruling council within the Mafia that adjudicates family disputes and regulates family activities.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Committee
A body of one or more persons convened for the accomplishment of some specific purpose, typically with formal protocols.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Committee
(archaic) A guardian; someone in charge of another person deemed to be unable to look after themself.
Lucas
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
A fee or percentage allowed to a sales representative or an agent for services rendered.
Elijah
Apr 27, 2024
◉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.
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
An official document issued by a government, conferring on the recipient the rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces.
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Committee
One to whom the charge of the person or estate of another, as of a lunatic, is committed by suitable authority; a guardian.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Committee
A special group delegated to consider some matter;
A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
To grant authority for (something to be made or done); place an order for
Commission a new symphony for the festival.
Elijah
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
To authorize or engage (someone to do something)
Commission an architect to design a building.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
An official charge or authority to do something, often used of military officers.
David received his commission after graduating from West Point.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
The thing to be done as agent for another.
I have three commissions for the city.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉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.
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
The act of committing (e.g. a crime or error).
The commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism
Levi
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
(transitive) To send or officially charge someone or some group to do something.
James Bond was commissioned with recovering the secret documents.
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
To put into active service.
The aircraft carrier was commissioned in 1944, during WWII.
Elijah
Apr 27, 2024
◉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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
The act of intrusting; a charge; instructions as to how a trust shall be executed.
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
The duty or employment intrusted to any person or persons; a trust; a charge.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
A certificate conferring military or naval rank and authority; as, a colonel's commission.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉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.
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉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.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
To send out with a charge or commission.
A chosen bandHe first commissions to the Latian land.
Lucas
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
A special group delegated to consider some matter;
A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉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
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
The state of being in good working order and ready for operation;
Put the ships into commission
The motor was out of commission
Elijah
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
A formal statement of a command or injunction to do something;
The judge's charge to the jury
Levi
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
An official document issued by a government and conferring on the recipient the rank of an officer in the armed forces
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
A special assignment that is given to a person or group;
A confidential mission to London
His charge was deliver a message
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉Commission
An official body that the government or other authority appoints to investigate, report on, or regulate specific matters.
The Securities and Exchange Commission regulates the stock market.
Jonathan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Commission
A group of representatives from several governmental departments coming together for a specific task.
The commission on environmental quality met to discuss new policies.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Commission
The authority to perform certain tasks or duties.
Military officers receive their commission after completing training.
Jonathan
Apr 29, 2024
Commission vs. Committee Frequently Asked Questions
How are members of commissions and committees chosen?
Commission members are typically appointed by government leaders or authorities, while committee members are usually selected by the leadership of the parent organization based on expertise or interest in the topic.
Henry
May 09, 2024
How does a committee operate within a company?
Within a company, a committee operates by focusing on specific tasks such as auditing finances, improving employee relations, or overseeing safety protocols.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
What is the primary role of a commission?
The primary role of a commission is to regulate, investigate, or oversee specific governmental functions or policies.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Can a commission have legislative power?
Some commissions may have legislative-like powers, especially if granted by statute, allowing them to enact regulations or standards.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Can individuals be part of multiple committees?
Yes, individuals can serve on multiple committees within the same organization, especially if their expertise or responsibilities cover various aspects of the organization's operations.
Lucas
May 09, 2024
What is a common example of a committee in a non-profit organization?
A common example is the fundraising committee, which is responsible for planning and executing strategies to raise money.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
What differentiates a commission from a committee in terms of impact?
A commission generally has a broader impact, potentially affecting national policies or standards, while a committee's impact is usually confined to the specific organization's internal affairs.
Kaitlyn
May 09, 2024
What kind of authority does a committee have within its parent organization?
Committees usually have advisory authority, meaning they can make recommendations but do not have the power to enforce decisions independently. Their influence is typically subject to the approval of the parent organization's higher governing body.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Are commissions open to public involvement or scrutiny?
Many commissions operate in the public interest and are subject to public scrutiny. They often hold public hearings, solicit feedback, and are required to operate transparently, especially those formed by governmental bodies.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Do commissions receive funding, and if so, how?
Commissions typically receive funding from the government or the authority establishing them. This funding is usually earmarked for specific research, regulatory, or oversight tasks that the commission is mandated to carry out.
Muazma Batool
May 09, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
Co-written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
