Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

What is the primary characteristic of a standing committee?

1. Formed for specific tasks only

2. Established for a permanent purpose

3. Composed only of executive members

4. Disbanded after a task is completed

The correct answer is: Established for a permanent purpose

A standing committee is established for a permanent purpose, which means it is created to address ongoing issues or tasks that are recurrent or long-term in nature. These committees typically operate continuously and meet regularly to oversee specific functions or areas within an organization or governing body. In contrast, other options describe different types of committees. For example, a committee formed for specific tasks only is often referred to as an ad hoc committee, which is temporary and disbanded after completing its designated task. Similarly, the notion of being composed only of executive members may suggest limitations in participation that are not characteristic of all standing committees, which can include varied members based on the committee's focus, not just executives. Finally, a standing committee is not disbanded after a task is completed; instead, it continues to function as long as the need for its activities persists, which differentiates it from temporary committees.