Procedures for Meetings and Organizations

K.J. Charles was Professor of Economics, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay.

Since it is a fundamental right of people to associate in democratic countries, organizations are formed for every conceivable purpose in these countries. Organizations abound not only in politics and business, but also in activities related to community service, leisure, and recreation. These are formed at the local, regional, national, and international levels. In course of time, a number of accepted procedures and practises have evolved for the orderly conduct of organizations. The authors have produced an invaluable book, setting forth the procedures for different types of organizations. The first part of the book, dealing with different aspects of organizations, covers such subjects as types and models of organizations, their structures, their establishment, memberships, and functions and duties of elected officers, appointed officials, and paid staff. In the next three parts the procedures for the conduct of business in both formal and informal meetings are described and discussed. The last part of the book has eight appendices, which contain a glossary, model constitutions, examples of documentation for different types of organizations, and a bibliography. In addition to providing a great deal of useful information on the procedures for organizations, the book also contains some novel suggestions for the orderly progress of organizations as well as for enhancing group functioning. The standard works on parliamentary practice are not well suited for the circumstances of private organizations. The book under review ably meets this need.