Discussion of the Word Adhoc, as It Applies to Business: What is the Purpose of an Adhoc Committee?

When one hears the expression adhoc as it applies to business, it is usually in conjunction with a “special purpose” and deals with that “specific subject, purpose or end”. It may also refer to “action taken for a particular reason”, one that appropriate for emergency crises that can occur in business.  

Many businesses, as well as community organizations, form adhoc committees for different reasons. For example, when there is a flood an adhoc committee may initially take charge of the situation. There may be specific government or non-government-oriented adhoc committees formed immediately or others involving concerned citizens who have to deal with immediate, serious concerns like fire, water and safety. Later on, other adhoc committees or sub-committees may work with large numbers of people seeking help or assistance with insurance issues.

An adhoc committee is designated a specific task with a distinct purpose in mind. On a larger scale, a global adhoc committee may function on a network or commission basis and work out long or short-term solutions to international problems.

Adhoc proposals and solutions do not generally apply to broader applications, as they address urgent issues. 

A business leader, who may be self-appointed, is often able to take charge and do whatever is necessary, with whatever means is available in order to handle a crisis. He or she may then delegate or appoint participants. Together, they hold an adhoc committee meeting.

While adhoc committees give birth to sub-committees, they tend to dissolve when no longer needed. For example, a military adhoc committee formed to evacuate people whose lives may be in danger because of a forest fire, dissolves after the immediate crisis is resolved. 

On a happier note, businesses or organizations form adhoc committees to assume the responsibility for special events like conventions, dances or parades. Once those specific events are over, there is no longer any need for the adhoc committee and they are dissolved.

     

Adhoc committee meetings may be formal or informal, structured or unstructured, but generally work towards realistic, interim solutions that can lead to positive, constructive and affirmative action, immediately.

If you demonstrate strong, positive leadership skills and are a highly motivational person, who may be able to solve problems effectively, you may be involved with an adhoc committee. As a business leader or a responsible citizen of any country, your judgment is important and you may be able to help or influence others.  

Of particular concern in business are adhoc committees formed in an antagonistic manner. For example, a business leader may appoint or designate adhoc committee participants when there are problems on a job site. This may be with or without the knowledge of an employer. In other words, adhoc committees can function in a negative manner seeking to build, destroy or takeover a business. On the other hand, this may probe important in terms of environmental concerns.

When getting involved with an adhoc committee in business, it is always important to be aware of their purpose, mode of action and goals.