Quorum
Quorum
A quorum is a minimum number of participants required to make a decision or conduct an action on behalf of a group. It is a threshold that must be met before any action can be taken.
Definition:
Quorum is derived from the Latin word “quorum,” meaning “how much” or “what amount.” It refers to the number or proportion of members of a group necessary to participate in a decision-making process or take certain actions.
Examples:
- Corporate Shareholders: A company may require a quorum of shareholders to approve a certain resolution.
- Board of Directors: A board of directors may require a quorum to elect officers or pass resolutions.
- Voting Assemblies: A voting assembly, such as a parliament or local council, may require a quorum to conduct business.
- Consensus Building: In consensus-building processes, a quorum is necessary to reach a decision.
Requirements for Quorum:
The quorum requirement varies depending on the group and its rules. Common factors include:
- Size of the Group: The larger the group, the higher the quorum required.
- Voting Power: Members with greater voting power may have a higher quorum requirement.
- Voting Threshold: A certain percentage of members must vote in favor of an action to pass.
- Time and Place: A specific time and place may be required for the quorum to be met.
Consequences of Not Reaching Quorum:
If the quorum is not reached, the decision-making process or action cannot be taken. This is known as a quorum failure.
Examples of Quorum Failure:
- A company’s shareholders fail to meet the required quorum for a vote on a resolution.
- A board of directors fails to reach the quorum necessary to elect officers.
- A voting assembly is unable to conduct business due to a lack of quorum.
Note:
Quorum requirements are established by the group’s rules and may vary according to the specific context. It is important to consult the group’s governing documents or rules of procedure for the specific quorum requirements.
