What Is a Quorum (Governance) ?
A quorum is the minimum number of members that must be present at a meeting in order for decisions to be made. In governance, it refers to the minimum number of people who must attend a meeting before any business can take place or votes can be taken. Quorums are typically set by an organization’s governing documents such as its constitution, charter, or bylaws and may vary depending on the type of decision being made. For example, some organizations require more than half of their membership to form a quorum when voting on major issues while others only need one-third or less.
The purpose of requiring a quorum is to ensure that there is sufficient representation from all stakeholders involved in making decisions so that they have an opportunity to voice their opinions and vote accordingly. It also helps prevent individuals from taking advantage of situations where few people show up and potentially swaying outcomes without proper consideration given to other perspectives. Ultimately, having a quorum ensures fairness within an organization’s decision-making process and allows for greater accountability among those responsible for making important choices on behalf of the group as whole.