Any committee is only as good as the most knowledgeable, determined and vigorous person on it. There must be somebody who provides the flame.

--Claudia Lady Bird Johnson


  


Parliamentary Committees Module: Unit 2: Effectiveness of Committees

 

Learning Objectives:
What Makes an Effective Parliamentary Committee?

After studying this unit you should be able to:

  • Be able to recognize the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of parliamentary committees;

  • Be able to appreciate the multiparty nature of committees and the importance of consensus building;

  • Know the role of Parliamentary staff and their contribution to the effectiveness of committees;

  • Understand the importance of meeting the basic information needs of committees for effectiveness.

Introduction

Unit 2 examines factors that contribute to the effectiveness of parliamentary committees. This unit highlights the need for consensus building and non-partisanship in committee work, the importance of diversity in representation, and how basic information needs of committees can be met. The unit also looks at the role of committee staff and the competencies required for core staff.

The effectiveness of a parliamentary committee depends on a number of factors, these include:

  • A clear mandate, clear roles and responsibilities of the committee (see example in unit 1 box 1.5);
     
  • The size of the committee – if a committee is too large or too small it renders it ineffective; large committees become unwieldy and small numbers limit the quality of ideas needed for effective work. Ogle (2004) cites the French National Assembly as an example of a Parliament with large committees 72 to 144 members making it comparatively ineffective among European parliamentary committees;

  • The skills of the chairperson of the committee in managing activities and meetings of the committee. – This can have a tremendous impact on committee output; Again according to Ogle (2004) the following are qualities of an effective committee leader: Competence; flexibility and adaptability; Firmness and Decisiveness; Honesty and Dependability; Openness; Fairness; Tolerance; Patience; Humility and Stamina;

  • The quality of support staff and resources available to the committee.– When well resourced with the requisite skilled personnel, with access to relevant and accurate analysis and information, and with adequate logistical support,  committees can perform very well;

  • Consensus building – the multiparty nature of parliaments often translates into multiparty committees, effective consensus building techniques and a non-partisan approach to committee work therefore becomes critical in promoting committee effectiveness.

 

 

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