What is meant by “quorum” in the context of meetings?

In the context of meetings, "quorum" refers to the minimum number of members that must be present in order for the meeting to conduct its official business. This concept is crucial because it ensures that decisions made during the meeting are representative of the group as a whole. Without a quorum, meetings may be deemed invalid, and any decisions made could potentially be challenged or disregarded since they might not reflect the consensus of the entire assembly.

For example, if a committee requires a quorum of 50% of its members to make decisions, having fewer than that number present would mean that any votes or actions taken could be considered unofficial, thus safeguarding the integrity of the decision-making process. This requirement encourages participation and accountability among members, ensuring that significant actions or decisions are made with adequate representation.