Komitees

Komitees are formal groups within organizations, established to study issues, prepare recommendations, oversee projects, or supervise ongoing functions. The term derives from Komitee, with the plural Komitees used in German-speaking contexts and in some international organizations.

Komitees are typically chaired by a member of the parent body and may include internal staff and external experts. Members are appointed for a fixed term. Meetings occur regularly, with terms of reference outlining scope, decision-making authority, and reporting requirements. Most Komitees exercise advisory or supervisory authority rather than independent decision-making; major approvals remain with the parent body.

Common types include executive committees, steering committees, audit committees, ethics committees, nomination committees, and project or program committees. Ad hoc Komitees are formed for temporary tasks such as investigations or planning initiatives.

Chair selection and quorum rules ensure accountability. Minutes are recorded and circulated to the parent body, and progress is reported through formal updates.

Usage varies by organization and jurisdiction; in some contexts "Ausschuss" is the more typical term for a formal legislative committee, while "Komitee" may appear in civil society, academia, or international groups.