What distinguishes an advisory board from a governing board?

An advisory board is distinguished from a governing board primarily by the legal authority that board members possess. Governing boards have formal legal responsibilities and authority as defined by law and the organization’s bylaws. They make binding decisions, set policies, and have fiduciary duties that are enforceable. In contrast, advisory boards typically do not have formal legal powers; their role is usually to provide recommendations, expertise, and guidance without such authority.

This distinction is essential as it highlights the governing board's responsibility for managing the organization's operations and strategic direction, while an advisory board serves to support and inform those decisions without being legally accountable for them. Understanding this difference is important for recognizing the structures and functions of various types of boards in organizational contexts.